Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians, friends, associates and supporters not to spend money on gifts or elaborate celebrations as he marks his 60th birthday.
Shettima, who turns 60 on Wednesday, urged those wishing to celebrate him to channel whatever money they would have spent on gifts to charities, worthy causes or people in need across the country.
The Vice President made the appeal in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday night, saying reaching the milestone age had strengthened his longstanding position against receiving expensive gifts or organising material celebrations in his honour.
“Please do not spend a kobo on a gift for me, nor undertake any venture of material consequence in my honour,” Shettima said.
He said turning 60 should be a period for reflection, gratitude and giving rather than an opportunity for material celebration.
“Sixty is an age at which our people expect a man to have exchanged impulse for reflection, vanity for gratitude, and the desire to accumulate for the wisdom to give.
“It is an age that asks fewer questions about what one has gathered and far more searching questions about what one has contributed,” he said.
Shettima therefore appealed to well-wishers to redirect resources earmarked for his birthday towards people or causes that require support.
“I therefore appeal once again to everyone who wishes me well not to spend money marking my day, but to channel whatever resources they may have intended for such gestures to a charity, cause or person of their choice anywhere in our country,” he said.
The Vice President said even small acts of kindness could make a meaningful difference in the lives of people going through difficult times.
“A nation is ennobled by the care it extends to those who need the strength of others. Our means may differ, but generosity is not measured only by the size of what we give,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey to 60, Shettima acknowledged the role that family, friends, teachers, colleagues, supporters and even strangers had played in helping individuals reach important milestones in life.
He said Nigerians had a responsibility to extend kindness to people who might never have the opportunity to repay them.
“None of us arrives at sixty, or indeed at any meaningful station in life, entirely by our own strength,” he said.
“It is only fitting that we repay such debts in the currency in which they were incurred: by extending kindness to those who may never be in a position to repay us.”
Shettima also asked Nigerians to replace birthday advertisements and gifts with prayers for him and the country.
“What I ask for, in place of advertisements, gifts and celebrations, is prayer. Pray for me, and pray for Nigeria,” he said.
He specifically requested prayers for peace across the country, prosperity for Nigerians, wisdom for leaders and the fulfilment of Nigeria’s potential.
Shettima described Nigeria’s youthful population, diversity, entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness as among the country’s greatest assets.
He thanked Nigerians for their goodwill and support over the years and wished them long life, good health, fulfilment and the joy of being useful to others.
