Vice-President Kashim Shettima has asked friends, associates and well-wishers to refrain from organising public celebrations or placing congratulatory advertisements to mark his 60th birthday.
Shettima, who will turn 60 on September 2, made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice-President said he wanted the milestone to be marked quietly, with public attention focused on national development rather than personal celebrations.
“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.
Rather than spending money on birthday advertisements or elaborate events, he urged his well-wishers to dedicate the occasion to prayers for Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima specifically called for prayers for the success of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges, greater national unity, and peace and prosperity for Nigerians.
According to the Vice-President, his decision to keep the celebration low-key reflects his belief that his birthday should provide an opportunity for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to public service.
The appeal means that supporters and associates who would ordinarily place birthday messages in newspapers or broadcast congratulatory messages on radio, television and digital platforms have been asked not to do so.
Shettima’s 60th birthday comes as he continues to serve as Vice-President under the Tinubu administration, which has repeatedly emphasised economic reforms, national security and efforts to improve living conditions across the country.
The Vice-President has previously urged Nigerians to support national unity and peaceful coexistence, while stressing the need for collective sacrifice as the government implements its reform agenda.
He said the focus of his birthday should therefore be less on personal celebration and more on Nigeria’s progress and the responsibilities of public service.
