Shettima turns 60, rejects public birthday celebration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has opted for a low-key celebration as he clocks 60 on September 2, 2026, asking friends, associates and well-wishers to avoid organising public celebrations or placing congratulatory messages in the media.

Shettima made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.

The Vice President said the decision was driven by his desire to keep public attention on the country’s development rather than on his personal milestone.

“To ensure absolute propriety, I respectfully appeal that there should be no public birthday celebrations, congratulatory gatherings or goodwill advertorials across print, broadcast and digital media platforms,” Shettima said.

The 60th birthday milestone would ordinarily attract celebrations from political associates, friends, family members and supporters, but the Vice President has asked that such activities be avoided.

Instead, Shettima encouraged those who wish to celebrate him to channel their goodwill towards prayers for Nigeria and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, the country is at a critical stage where attention should remain focused on issues affecting the lives and wellbeing of citizens.

He specifically requested prayers for the success of the administration’s economic reforms, describing them as important to the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable growth and improve the economy.

The Vice President also called for prayers for lasting solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges, greater national unity and the overall peace and prosperity of Nigerians.

Shettima’s decision comes as the Federal Government continues to implement several economic policies and reforms under the Tinubu administration, with the government maintaining that the measures are aimed at strengthening the economy and improving the living conditions of citizens.

Beyond the economic situation, security remains another major concern for the government, with efforts continuing to tackle terrorism, banditry and other threats across different parts of the country.

For Shettima, his 60th birthday should therefore provide an opportunity for reflection rather than an elaborate public celebration.

He said the occasion should be approached with gratitude for the journey so far and a renewed commitment to serving the country.

The Vice President’s appeal also extends to the media, as he asked friends and supporters not to purchase birthday advertorials or broadcast congratulatory messages across newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms.

His request effectively places the focus of the birthday on personal reflection and national service rather than the publicity that usually accompanies major political birthdays.

Shettima has served as Vice President since May 2023, working alongside President Tinubu on the administration’s economic, security and development agenda.

As he prepares to mark his 60th birthday, the Vice President is asking Nigerians and his well-wishers to mark the occasion differently.

Rather than expensive celebrations and public displays, he wants the milestone to be used as a moment to pray for Nigeria, particularly for “greater national unity” and the peace and prosperity of all Nigerians.

The appeal, according to the Vice President, reflects his conviction that the responsibility of public office should remain centred on national development and service to the people.