Vice President Shettima's 60th Birthday Wishes: Focus on Charity

Vice President Kashim Shettima has asked his friends, supporters, and well-wishers to avoid gifts and big celebrations as he turns 60. He wants them to use any money they would have spent on him for charity and other important causes.

Mr Shettima shared this message in a Facebook post on Tuesday night, just before his 60th birthday on Wednesday.

The Vice President said he has always told his friends and supporters not to spend on gifts or do anything extravagant for his birthdays.

He feels even stronger about this request now that he is 60. He sees this age as a time for reflection, gratitude, and a commitment to giving back.

"Sixty is an age at which our people expect a man to have exchanged impulse for reflection, vanity for gratitude, and the desire to accumulate for the wisdom to give," he said.

He believes that turning 60 should lead people to think more about how they contribute to society instead of focusing on personal gains.

"I therefore appeal once again to everyone who wishes me well not to spend money marking my day, but to channel whatever resources they may have intended for such gestures to a charity, cause or person of their choice anywhere in our country," he said.

Mr Shettima emphasized that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of those in need.

"A nation is ennobled by the care it extends to those who need the strength of others. Our means may differ, but generosity is not measured only by the size of what we give," he said.

He sees every act of kindness shown to any Nigerian as a prayer for him.

"For me, such an act is among the most eloquent prayers anyone can offer on my behalf," he said.

Reflecting on his life as he reaches 60, Mr Shettima noted that no one achieves significant milestones alone. He thanked family, friends, teachers, colleagues, supporters, well-wishers, and even strangers for their help.

He encouraged Nigerians to return such kindness by helping those who may never be able to repay them.

"Every hand that lifts another somewhere in Nigeria tomorrow will be a candle lit for me," he said.

The Vice President stated that instead of birthday ads, gifts, and parties, he wants prayers for himself and for Nigeria.

"What I ask for, in place of advertisements, gifts and celebrations, is prayer. Pray for me, and pray for Nigeria," he said.

He asked Nigerians to pray for peace in their communities, prosperity for the people, wisdom for leaders, and the fulfillment of Nigeria's potential.

Mr Shettima also pointed out Nigeria's strengths, like its hardworking people, entrepreneurial spirit, youthful population, cultural diversity, and ability to connect across differences.

"Ours is a country blessed with an industrious people, an extraordinary instinct for enterprise, a generosity that travels easily across family and community, and a youthful population whose imagination, talent and ambition remain among our greatest national assets," he said.

The Vice President thanked his friends, supporters, and well-wishers for their affection, loyalty, and prayers over the years.

He wished Nigerians long life, good health, and fulfillment. He encouraged them to enjoy the "quiet joy of being useful to someone who may never be able to repay you."

Mr Shettima served as governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019. He became Vice President alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 29 May 2023.