I dedicate my birthday to prayers for Nigeria, no adverts — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has asked friends, associates and well-wishers to refrain from organising public celebrations or placing congratulatory adverts as he marks his 60th birthday on September 2.

Shettima made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday, saying he preferred to mark the milestone quietly and keep public attention focused on national development.

The Vice President specifically asked supporters not to place birthday advertisements in newspapers or broadcast congratulatory messages on radio, television and digital platforms.

“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.

Instead, Shettima urged his friends, associates and well-wishers to dedicate the occasion to prayers for Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He called for prayers for the success of the government’s economic reforms, lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges, national unity, and the peace and prosperity of Nigerians.

The Vice President said his decision to keep the birthday low-key was informed by the view that the occasion should be an opportunity for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to national service rather than elaborate personal celebrations.