Birthday: Shettima urges well-wishers to donate to the vulnerable, others

By Egena Sunday Ode

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged his associates and well-wishers across the country who are contemplating advert placements to celebrate him on his birthday to shelve their plans and donate the funds to the vulnerable instead.

Media aide to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Shettima will be 58 on Monday, September 2.

According to Nkwocha, the decision by the vice president to keep his birthday celebration low is in alignment with the Renwed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to give greater attention to issues of development and economic well being of Nigerians.

The statement read: “On Monday, September 2, 2024, His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, will turn 58 years old. This exceptional day marks another landmark moment for him to reflect and gauge how much ground he has covered in the course of his stewardship to the nation and its people, as a leader and public servant.

“As it is always the tradition on special days such as this, it is not unexpected that family members, friends and associates would want to make the day a remarkable one for him – celebrating his dedication to excellence, compassion in leadership, and commitment to teamwork in the bid to drive the nation to success and growth.

“However, the Vice President will not want an elaborate pageantry marking the day. Accordingly, he has appealed to his fellow compatriots, associates and numerous well-wishers across the country to resist the desire to place congratulatory birthday advertisements on pages of newspapers or utilise paid channels to convey their wishes and greetings.

“As this auspicious moment draws closer, VP Shettima fervently implores family members, friends, and associates who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead. This aligns with the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to addressing issues of development and economic growth, as well as improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

“As he prepares to use this special moment to reflect and recommit himself to the tenets of responsive and good governance for the overall benefit of the people, the Vice President remains ever grateful for the goodwill he enjoys from Nigerians and the best wishes a great number of his well-wishers have demonstrated towards him over the years.”