Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON
Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON

Celebrating Vice President Kashim Shettima’s 57th Birthday, By Sa’ad Dembo

NEWS DIGEST – On September 2nd, 2023, Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, marks his 57th birthday. This date holds special significance, as it is a day to honor a man known for his eloquent and pragmatic disposition. In my previous article titled “Kashim Shettima and His Eloquent Disposition,” published on June 4th, 2023, I used these beautiful adjectives to describe His Excellency, and he has undeniably earned them.

Senator Kashim Shettima is a close associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and as I predicted earlier, he has indeed proven to be a valuable asset to President Tinubu’s administration. He has worked diligently alongside the President since the inception of this administration, with a clear goal of achieving a better Nigeria where prosperity reaches every citizen.

Earlier this week, the Vice President, known for his pragmatic approach, urged his supporters to celebrate his 57th birthday in a different way. He requested that they refrain from placing birthday wishes in newspapers or using paid channels to convey greetings. Instead, he encouraged them to channel their efforts towards noble causes, such as donating to charity organizations. Here is the full text of his message:

“Dear friends and well-wishers,

Greetings to you all.

As we approach the anniversary of my birth on September 2nd, I am utterly grateful for the warm wishes and kind sentiments that many of you have expressed over the years. Your thoughtfulness has touched my heart and has been a source of immense joy.

At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to humbly request that you consider celebrating this occasion in a different way. In the spirit of our nation’s commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance, I kindly ask you to refrain from placing birthday wishes on newspaper pages or utilizing paid channels to convey your greetings.

I invite you to join me in channeling our collective efforts towards a nobler cause. Instead of spending resources on such messages, I encourage you to contribute to the betterment of our society by donating to charity organizations in need, or your preference, in our collective pursuit of a humane and functional world.

Thank you for your understanding and for being my all-weather friends and allies. Warm regards.”

This message reflects the Vice President’s understanding of the challenges facing Nigerians, particularly in light of the removal of fuel subsidies. Celebrating him grandly at this time would be inconsistent with the economic realities of the nation.

In a heartfelt birthday message, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended Senator Kashim Shettima for his unwavering loyalty to the nation and his exemplary leadership. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Shettima’s years of service, both in the private and public sectors, highlighting his career achievements, including serving as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri and contributing to the banking industry. The President also praised Shettima’s courage during his eight-year tenure as the Governor of Borno State, where he faced the challenges of a deadly insurgency with innovation and determination, building a better future for the state.

As Vice President Shettima celebrates another year of life, President Tinubu extended his wishes for his continued well-being and success. Similarly, prominent political figures such as Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas all praised the Vice President, highlighting his success in both the private and public sectors.

In conclusion, Senator Kashim Shettima emerges as a complete Nigerian with boldness, consistency, and impeccable character, as attested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other prominent leaders. On behalf of Nigerians, I join in wishing him a happy and prosperous birthday.