Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians, friends, supporters and well-wishers to mark his 60th birthday by giving to charity and supporting people in need rather than buying gifts for him.
Shettima made the appeal in a message posted on his official X handle as he marks his 60th birthday on Wednesday, September 2.
The Vice President said he was even more resolute about his longstanding request that no money should be spent on material gifts or celebrations in his honour.
He said turning 60 is an age that should inspire reflection, gratitude and a greater commitment to giving, rather than the desire to accumulate material possessions.
Shettima therefore asked those who intended to spend money on birthday gifts or celebrations to channel such resources to a charity, a worthy cause or a person of their choice anywhere in Nigeria.
He said a nation is ennobled by the care it extends to those who need the strength of others, stressing that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in another person’s life.
The Vice President noted that no one reaches a meaningful stage in life entirely through personal strength, acknowledging the contributions of family, friends, teachers, colleagues, supporters, well-wishers and even strangers.
He urged Nigerians to repay such acts of kindness by extending support to people who may never have the opportunity to return the favour.
Shettima also asked Nigerians to pray for him and Nigeria, particularly for peace in communities, prosperity for the people, wisdom for leaders and the fulfilment of the country’s immense potential.
He described Nigeria as a nation blessed with an industrious people, a strong spirit of enterprise and a youthful population whose imagination, talent and ambition remain among the country’s greatest assets.
The Vice President expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their loyalty, affection, friendship and prayers over the years, wishing them long life, good health and fulfilment.
(Follow AIT News on WhatsApp, AfricaIndependentTV on YouTube, ait_online on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter), and officialait on TikTok, Instagram and Threads).
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
