Shettima embargoes congratulatory messages on 58th birthday

Asks for funds to be donated to charity 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has placed an embargo on all kinds of congratulatory advertisements on pages of newspapers to celebrate his 58th birthday next week.

But in a restraining appeal yesterday, Shettima pleaded against what he described as “elaborate pageantry” to mark the day. He rather implored family members, friends and associates, who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead.

Issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, the statement reads read in part: “On Monday, September 2, 2024, His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, will turn 58 years old. This exceptional day marks another landmark moment for him to reflect and gauge how much ground he has covered in the course of his stewardship to the nation and its people, as a leader and public servant.

“As it is always the tradition on special days such as this, it is not unexpected that family members, friends and associates would want to make the day a remarkable one for him – celebrating his dedication to excellence, compassion in leadership, and commitment to teamwork in the bid to drive the nation to success and growth.

“However, the Vice President will not want an elaborate pageantry marking the day. Accordingly, he has appealed to his fellow compatriots, associates and numerous well-wishers across the country to resist the desire to place congratulatory birthday advertisements on pages of newspapers or utilise paid channels to convey their wishes and greetings.

“As this auspicious moment draws closer, VP Shettima fervently implores family members, friends, and associates who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead.

“This aligns with the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to addressing issues of development and economic growth, as well as improving the living conditions of Nigerians.”