Vice-President Kashim Shettima has asked friends, associates, and supporters to shun public celebrations for his 60th birthday and requested that goodwill be directed instead towards prayers for Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima, who will turn 60 on September 2, 2026, specifically asked well-wishers not to publish congratulatory advertisements in newspapers or broadcast birthday messages on television, radio, and digital platforms.
The request was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice-President said he preferred a quiet observance of the milestone because public attention should be concentrated on the country’s development rather than on his personal anniversary.
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“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.
He also appealed against organising congratulatory gatherings in his honour, making clear that he did not want the occasion turned into a series of public events.
Instead, the Vice-President asked those wishing him well to use the occasion to pray for Nigeria, with particular attention to the challenges facing the country.
He requested prayers for the success of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, saying the government’s efforts should receive the support needed to produce positive results for Nigerians.
Shettima also listed security among the issues for which he wants prayers, calling for lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.
National unity, peace, and prosperity also featured in his appeal. He asked well-wishers to pray for greater cohesion among Nigerians and improved conditions across the country.
The Vice-President framed the birthday as an occasion for personal reflection and gratitude rather than an elaborate public celebration.
He said the milestone should inspire renewed dedication to national service, shifting the focus from the individual marking the anniversary to the responsibilities of serving the country.
Shettima’s position effectively rules out the customary stream of birthday goodwill advertisements and celebratory broadcasts often associated with prominent public officials.
His 60th birthday will therefore be marked without the public festivities, newspaper tributes, and media campaigns he has asked his associates to avoid.
The appeal comes as the Vice-President continues to serve alongside Tinubu in the Federal Government, with economic reforms, insecurity, and national cohesion among the issues highlighted in his birthday message.
For Shettima, the significance of turning 60 lies less in the ceremony surrounding the milestone and more in reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to Nigeria.
