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Nigeria VP Shettima marks 60 with call for kindness and unity

Published by YuToday Staff

0 views · 6 hours ago · 4:15 read · September 2, 2026

Vice President Kashim Shettima marked his 60th birthday on Tuesday with a heartfelt message to friends, supporters, and all Nigerians. In a statement released on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, Shettima reflected on the affection and loyalty shown to him over the years, while urging citizens to prioritize kindness and unity as the nation continues its journey forward.

Key takeaways

Vice President Kashim Shettima celebrated his 60th birthday with a message of gratitude and unity for Nigerians.
He highlighted Nigeria’s strengths, including its youthful population, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Shettima urged citizens to embrace kindness and repay it forward as a form of collective service.
His message emphasized the power of unity and small acts of service in building a stronger Nigeria.

Shettima thanks supporters and highlights Nigeria's strengths

Vice President Kashim Shettima took the occasion of his 60th birthday to express deep gratitude to his friends, supporters, and well-wishers for their unwavering loyalty and prayers. Having served as the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019, Shettima was sworn in as Vice President alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023. In his message, he emphasized Nigeria’s unique strengths, including its industrious population, entrepreneurial spirit, youthful demographics, cultural diversity, and the ability to foster fellowship across differences. These attributes, he noted, are the bedrock of the nation’s resilience and progress.

A call to embrace kindness and repay it forward

Shettima’s birthday message extended beyond personal gratitude, urging Nigerians to recognize every act of kindness as a prayer for the nation’s well-being. He encouraged citizens to embrace the 'quiet joy of being useful to someone who may never be able to repay you,' framing kindness as a collective responsibility. This philosophy aligns with his broader vision for Nigeria, where small acts of service contribute to the greater good. The Vice President’s call resonates in a country often divided by socio-economic and regional disparities, highlighting the power of unity in overcoming challenges.

Nigeria’s potential seen through the lens of its people

In his reflections, Shettima underscored Nigeria’s potential, describing its population as a driving force behind the nation’s growth. He pointed to the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation and economic resilience, as well as the youthful energy that positions Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s future. Cultural diversity, he argued, is not a challenge but an asset that fosters creativity and collaboration. These strengths, he believes, can be harnessed to address the nation’s most pressing issues, from security to economic development. His message serves as a reminder of the collective power of Nigerians to shape their own destiny.

A birthday wish for long life, health, and fulfillment

Shettima extended his birthday wishes to all Nigerians, praying for their long life, good health, and fulfillment. His message was one of hope and unity, emphasizing that the nation’s progress depends on the actions of its citizens. By framing kindness as a form of prayer, he invited Nigerians to see their daily interactions as contributions to the nation’s collective well-being. This perspective aligns with his long-standing commitment to service, both as a governor and now as Vice President. His birthday reflections serve as a call to action, urging citizens to play an active role in building a better Nigeria.

Shettima’s journey from Borno to the Vice Presidency

Kashim Shettima’s political career has been marked by resilience and dedication. Serving as the governor of Borno State for eight years, he navigated the challenges of insurgency and economic hardship, earning a reputation as a leader who prioritizes the needs of his people. His transition to the Vice Presidency in 2023 was seen as a continuation of his commitment to public service. In his birthday message, he reflected on the lessons learned from his journey, emphasizing the importance of humility, perseverance, and service. His story is a testament to the power of leadership rooted in empathy and a deep connection to the people.

A message of unity for a diverse nation

Shettima’s birthday message carries particular significance in a nation as diverse as Nigeria. By highlighting cultural diversity as a strength, he challenged the narrative of division and emphasized the potential of unity. His call to kindness and service transcends political, ethnic, and religious lines, offering a unifying vision for the future. In a time when global and local challenges often dominate discourse, his message serves as a reminder of the shared values that bind Nigerians together. It is a vision that invites all citizens to contribute to the nation’s progress, regardless of their background.

What happens next

As Nigeria continues to navigate its challenges and opportunities, Shettima’s message of unity and kindness may inspire renewed efforts toward national cohesion. His emphasis on the nation’s strengths could pave the way for policies and initiatives that harness the potential of its youthful population and cultural diversity. Moving forward, the focus on service and collective responsibility may shape public discourse and community-driven solutions.