By Paul Joseph
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said reaching the age of 60 has further strengthened his belief that the true measure of life is not in the wealth or possessions a person accumulates, but in the positive impact made on humanity.
Shettima, who turns 60 on Wednesday, September 2, said the milestone had given him an opportunity to reflect deeply on life, service and the responsibility of individuals to give back to society.
In a message shared on his verified X handle on the eve of his birthday, the Vice President appealed to friends, supporters, associates and admirers not to spend money on gifts, advertisements or elaborate celebrations in his honour.
Instead, he urged Nigerians to channel such resources towards charities, worthy causes and people in need across the country.
“Tomorrow, by the grace of God, I turn sixty,” Shettima said, describing the message as both a reminder and a request ahead of the goodwill expected to accompany his birthday.
According to him, turning 60 had changed the questions he considered most important in life, shifting his focus from impulse and vanity towards reflection, gratitude and service to humanity.
“This year, as I turn sixty, I am even more resolute about that request. Sixty is an age at which our people expect a man to have exchanged impulse for reflection, vanity for gratitude, and the desire to accumulate for the wisdom to give,” he said.
“It is an age that asks fewer questions about what one has gathered and far more searching questions about what one has contributed.”
The Vice President renewed his appeal to Nigerians not to spend money on material gifts or any venture in his honour.
“Please do not spend a kobo on a gift for me, nor undertake any venture of material consequence in my honour,” he said.
He appealed to those wishing him well to redirect whatever funds they intended to use for birthday celebrations towards a charity, cause or individual of their choice anywhere in Nigeria.
Shettima said compassion and generosity remained vital to building a stronger society, stressing that the value of kindness was not determined by the amount of money involved.
“A nation is ennobled by the care it extends to those who need the strength of others. Our means may differ, but generosity is not measured only by the size of what we give,” he said.
“Sometimes the smallest kindness arrives at precisely the moment another person needs to be reminded that humanity has not forgotten them.”
He described acts of kindness towards others as the most meaningful gifts anyone could offer him on his 60th birthday.
“For me, such an act is among the most eloquent prayers anyone can offer on my behalf,” Shettima stated.
Reflecting on his journey through life, the Vice President acknowledged the contributions of family members, friends, teachers, colleagues, supporters, well-wishers and even strangers.
He said no individual reaches a meaningful stage in life entirely through personal effort, noting that people often benefit from the kindness and support of others.
According to him, the best way to repay such kindness is by extending help to those who may never be able to reciprocate.
“It is only fitting that we repay such debts in the currency in which they were incurred: by extending kindness to those who may never be in a position to repay us,” he said.
In a symbolic appeal to Nigerians, Shettima urged citizens to transform his birthday into a day of compassion.
“Every hand that lifts another somewhere in Nigeria tomorrow will be a candle lit for me,” he declared.
The Vice President also requested prayers for himself and the country, saying he would prefer them to expensive advertisements, gifts and elaborate celebrations.
“What I ask for, in place of advertisements, gifts and celebrations, is prayer. Pray for me, and pray for Nigeria,” he said.
He called for prayers for peace across communities, prosperity for Nigerians, wisdom for leaders and the fulfilment of the country’s enormous potential.
Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, citing the country’s industrious people, entrepreneurial spirit and youthful population as some of its greatest strengths.
As he begins a new decade of his life, the Vice President urged Nigerians to embrace the fulfillment that comes from being useful and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
He wished Nigerians a long life, good health and fulfilment, while encouraging them to find joy in helping people who may never be able to repay their kindness.
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