Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed appreciation for his personal goodwill messages and prayers from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and every Nigerian, regardless of political inclinations on the occasion of his 59th birthday. In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, Shettima said he has been overwhelmed by the display of good wishes, which he described as humbling and motivating, and reiterated his renewed commitment to serving the nation.
The Vice President said he has been moved by the President’s warm congratulatory message, which he said was “filled with sincerity and a brotherly spirit”. He asserted that the relationship he shares with the President is based on loyalty and service, which he would not take for granted. He also commended the courage of the president and his leadership in taking tough decisions at difficult times for the country. He stated that it was an honour to serve alongside the President under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the lessons he has learned will stay with him for a lifetime.
According to the Vice President, he wished to thank all those who took time out of their busy lives to offer words of goodwill, from governors, members of the National Assembly, members of Government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community persons, and Nigerians from across the country. He stated their words of kindness and prayers reaffirmed the sacred burden of public service and cemented his desire to positively influence the progress of the nation and collectively take Nigeria to the next level. “While I receive these tokens of goodwill, I am also renewed in purpose and strength of mind,” he said. “Nigeria is yet to witness its greatest days. If we can have unity of will, clarity of vision and fidelity to the shared aspirations of the nation, we shall survive, and we will leave behind a peaceful, prosperous, and equitable nation”.
The birthday also attracted messages from political leaders and civil society. The President described Shettima as, “my brother, companion and partner in national building,” commending his courage, loyalty, and many years of service first, as a governor, senator and now as Vice President. Senator, Ede Dafinone described Shettima as a “shining light of hope” and an “epitome of patriotic statesmanship,” while groups supporting the administration praised his leadership standard and ability to unite people with differences.
For Shettima, the celebration was more than just a personal reminder of his age. He stated it was a time for sober reflection on leadership responsibilities and the shared journey of national interests. He concluded by thanking all Nigerians for their kind words and prayers and prayed to God to bless the nation always.