Vice President, Kashim Shettima has asked friends, associates and well-wishers to avoid placing birthday advertorials or organising public celebrations as he prepares to mark his 60th birthday on September 2, 2026.
Shettima, who wants the milestone celebrated quietly, said he would rather have public attention directed towards Nigeria’s development than towards his personal celebration.
The Vice President appealed to Nigerians to channel their goodwill into prayers for the country and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Why Shettima wants a low-key birthday
Shettima said the decision was driven by his desire to maintain propriety and keep the focus on national issues.
The Vice President 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.”
Rather than receiving congratulatory messages through newspapers, radio, television or digital platforms, Shettima urged his well-wishers to pray for Nigeria.
He specifically requested prayers for the success of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges, greater national unity, peace and prosperity.
Shettima turns 60 amid call for national prayers
The Vice President said his 60th birthday should be viewed as an opportunity for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to serving the country.
His appeal means that friends and associates who would ordinarily mark such a milestone with newspaper adverts, goodwill messages or celebratory gatherings have been asked to refrain from doing so.
Shettima will clock 60 on September 2, with the Vice President choosing a subdued approach to the milestone and placing emphasis on national development rather than personal festivities.