Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged friends, supporters and well-wishers to forego gifts and lavish celebrations as he marks his 60th birthday, asking them instead to direct resources to charities and people in need.
Shettima posted the appeal on Facebook Tuesday night ahead of his birthday on Wednesday, saying he has for years asked those close to him not to spend money on presents or high‑profile tributes.
The Vice President said he felt even more strongly about the request as he reached the milestone age.
“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,” he wrote, adding that the milestone should prompt reflection on one’s contribution to society rather than on personal accumulation.
The Vice President also asked anyone who wished to mark the occasion to channel funds instead to “a charity, cause or person of their choice anywhere in our country.”
Shettima said small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference and described such gestures as prayers on his behalf.
“A nation is ennobled by the care it extends to those who need the strength of others,” he said.
“Our means may differ, but generosity is not measured only by the size of what we give.”
Reflecting on his life and career, Vice President Shettima acknowledged that no one reaches a significant stage alone and thanked family, teachers, colleagues, supporters and strangers who helped him along the way.
He urged Nigerians to help those who may never be able to repay them, saying, “Every hand that lifts another somewhere in Nigeria tomorrow will be a candle lit for me.”
In place of birthday advertisements and celebrations, the Vice President asked for prayers — for himself and for Nigeria.
He called for prayers for peace, prosperity, wise leadership and the fulfillment of the country’s potential.
Vice President Shettima also highlighted what he called Nigeria’s strengths: an industrious and entrepreneurial people, a youthful population and cultural diversity that fosters fellowship across differences.
He thanked supporters for their affection, loyalty and prayers, and wished Nigerians long life, good health and fulfillment, urging them to “embrace the quiet joy of being useful to someone who may never be able to repay you.”
