Shettima opts for low-key 60th birthday celebration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to friends, associates and well-wishers to refrain from placing congratulatory advertisements or organising public celebrations to mark his 60th birthday on September 2, 2026.
Shettima made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice President said he had chosen to keep the milestone low-key because public attention should remain focused on national development rather than personal celebrations.
Shettima said, “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.”
He said his decision reflected his conviction that “public attention should remain focused on the serious work of national development rather than on personal celebrations.”
Rather than celebrate him through elaborate events or paid advertisements, the Vice President urged his well-wishers to channel their goodwill into prayers for Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger pullout from ECOWAS created regional crisis — Tinubu’s aide NECO question papers were sold for N3,000 before exams — Minister Shettima took over Borno as governor at height of Boko Haram — Ex-Minister
He specifically called for prayers for “the success of the administration’s economic reforms, lasting solutions to the nation’s security challenges, greater national unity, and the peace and prosperity of all Nigerians.”
According to Shettima, his birthday should provide an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress and renew commitment to its development.
“For VP Shettima, the occasion should serve less as a celebration of a personal milestone and more as an opportunity for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to the service of the country,” the statement said.
The Vice President will clock 60 on September 2, 2026.
The statement, titled “60th Birthday: VP Shettima Opts For Low-Key Celebration,” was signed by Nkwocha and dated August 29, 2026.

Fawzi Kehinde
Fawzi is a journalist and subeditor covering a wide range of beats including politics, metro, and international news, among others. He also optimises stories for digital audiences.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.