Shettima @ 60: Pray for me, donate to charity, VP begs Nigerians

Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians planning to celebrate his 60th birthday to forgo gifts and channel the money to charitable causes or individuals in need.

Shettima made the appeal in a goodwill message ahead of his 60th birthday, which he said would be marked on Thursday.

The Vice President said reaching the milestone had strengthened his conviction that birthdays should be occasions for gratitude, reflection and service rather than material celebrations.

He urged his friends, supporters, associates and well-wishers across the country not to spend money on gifts, advertisements or other material gestures in his honour.

“Please do not spend a kobo on a gift for me, nor undertake any venture of material consequence in my honour,” he said.

According to Shettima, anyone who intends to honour him should instead support a charity, worthy cause or person of their choice anywhere in Nigeria.

He said turning 60 had reinforced his belief that the value of a person’s life should be measured increasingly by what he contributes to society rather than what he accumulates.

“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 said.

Shettima described acts of kindness towards vulnerable Nigerians as one of the most meaningful ways people could celebrate his birthday.

He said no one reached significant milestones in life solely through personal effort, noting that people benefited from the support and kindness of family members, friends, teachers, colleagues, supporters and even strangers.

The Vice President urged Nigerians to reciprocate such acts of kindness by helping others without expecting anything in return.

“Every hand that lifts another somewhere in Nigeria tomorrow will be a candle lit for me,” he said.

Beyond birthday donations, Shettima asked Nigerians to pray for him and the country, particularly for peace, prosperity, responsible leadership and the realisation of Nigeria’s potential.

He described Nigeria as a country endowed with an industrious population, entrepreneurial spirit, cultural diversity and a youthful population whose talent and ambition remained important national assets.

“Our diversity is a vast inheritance, our cultures are reservoirs of strength, and our capacity to find fellowship across difference is one of the enduring beauties of the Nigerian spirit,” he said.

The Vice President expressed appreciation to Nigerians for the goodwill, friendship, loyalty and prayers he had received over the years.

He also wished Nigerians long life, good health, fulfilment and the satisfaction that comes from helping others.