- Urges well-wishers to donate to charity instead
By Chesa Chesa
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians to mark his 60th birthday by donating to charitable causes rather than spending money on gifts or celebrations in his honour.
Shettima, born on September 2, 1966, turns 60 today, and made the appeal in a personal message titled “What I Ask For at Sixty”.
The Vice-President said reaching the age of 60 had deepened his resolve to prioritise gratitude, service and generosity over material accumulation.
He urged his friends, supporters, associates and well-wishers across the country not to spend money on birthday gifts, advertisements or other material gestures for him.
“Please do not spend a kobo on a gift for me, nor undertake any venture of material consequence in my honour,” he said.
Instead, Shettima asked those wishing him well to channel whatever resources they would have spent on birthday celebrations to a charity, worthy cause or individual in need anywhere in Nigeria.
He said such acts of kindness would represent meaningful prayers on his behalf.
“A nation is ennobled by the care it extends to those who need the strength of others,” he said, adding that generosity should not be measured solely by the size of the donation.
The Vice-President also reflected on the role of family, friends, teachers, colleagues and strangers in shaping an individual’s journey, saying Nigerians should repay such acts of kindness by extending help to others.
“Every hand that lifts another somewhere in Nigeria tomorrow will be a candle lit for me,” he said.
Beyond charitable giving, Shettima asked Nigerians to pray for him and the country, particularly for peace, prosperity, wise leadership and the fulfilment of Nigeria’s potential.
He described Nigeria as a country blessed with an industrious population, entrepreneurial spirit, youthful energy and rich cultural diversity.
Shettima expressed appreciation to Nigerians for the affection, friendship, loyalty and prayers that had accompanied him throughout his life, wishing them long life, good health and fulfilment.
