Shettima at 60: Tinubu, Akpabio, Governors, Oluremi, Others Hail VP’s Service, Patriotism

• President says ex-Borno gov trusted ally, valued colleague 

•Zulum: Low-key celebration reflects humility, selflessness 

•Northern senators say VP bridge builder, voice of reason

Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji  in Bauchi

President Bola Tinubu, state governors, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and other political leaders yesterday paid glowing tributes to Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday.

The political leaders described him as a patriot, loyal public servant and leader whose career has been defined by courage, resilience and service to Nigeria.

Tinubu, in a personally signed tribute, described Shettima as a brother, trusted ally, valued colleague and patriot with an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress and unity.

Tinubu said the Vice President had distinguished himself through his banking career and years of service to Borno State and Nigeria, commending his courage, diligence, compassion and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.

“Today, I warmly congratulate Vice President Kashim Shettima, my brother and partner in steering the ship of our state, on his 60th birthday on September 2.

“Kashim is not just a trusted ally or a valued colleague, but also a patriot whose life has been defined by service, commitment and sacrifice for worthy causes,” the President said.

Tinubu particularly acknowledged Shettima’s loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), his support for the administration and dedication to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also praised the Vice President’s role as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), saying Shettima had provided purposeful leadership in coordinating economic policy and fostering collaboration between the federal government and the sub-nationals.

The President said Shettima’s respect for constitutional governance, democratic institutions, dialogue and consultation had helped strengthen good governance.

“As a trusted partner, his loyalty, wisdom and sense of duty have remained invaluable to the administration,” Tinubu added.

The President prayed for God’s continued guidance, protection, wisdom and good health for the Vice President.

In the same vein, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described Shettima’s career in public service as a testament to courage in adversity, intellectual depth, patriotism and unwavering commitment to Nigeria.

Akpabio said the Vice President’s journey from commissioner and two-term governor to senator and Vice President had been marked by resilience and an enduring belief in the promise of Nigeria.

The Senate President particularly recalled Shettima’s tenure as Governor of Borno State during one of the most difficult periods in the state’s history when the Boko Haram insurgency subjected residents to sustained insecurity.

He said that despite the enormous security challenges, Shettima remained at his duty post and provided leadership under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

“Your journey through public service, from Commissioner to Governor, Senator and now Vice President, has been distinguished by courage in adversity, intellectual depth, loyalty to country and an abiding conviction in the promise of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

He added that Shettima had brought the same resilience, experience and patriotic commitment to his present national assignment, particularly in his partnership with President Tinubu in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Similarly, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, joined the Vice President’s wife, Nana Shettima, family and friends in celebrating him, describing Shettima as a leader who had exemplified strength, loyalty, commitment and love for the country.

She also recalled his achievements as a former Governor of Borno State, senator and banker.

Besides, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, commended Shettima for calling for a low-key celebration of his birthday, describing the decision as a reflection of his humility, selflessness and commitment to national development.

Zulum, in a statement personally signed by him, said the Vice President’s appeal demonstrated his conviction that public attention should remain focused on the serious work of developing Nigeria.

“I am mindful, Your Excellency, of your recent appeal for a low-key celebration. This request reflects your characteristic selflessness and your conviction that public attention must remain focused on the serious work of national development,” Zulum said.

“However, for us in Borno, it is too personal to forgo this auspicious occasion without celebrating,” he added.

The governor said Shettima’s 60th birthday offered an opportunity to reflect on what he described as a life defined by sacrifices for democracy and a lasting legacy of impact in Borno State and Nigeria.

He praised the Vice President’s courage, wisdom and steadfast dedication to democratic principles and prayed for many more years of good health and service to the country.

Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Shettima as a visionary, loyal and dedicated Nigerian public servant whose career in both the private and public sectors had been distinguished by competence and selfless service.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu praised the Vice President’s loyalty and commitment to Tinubu and the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said Shettima had demonstrated pragmatic leadership at both state and national levels, having previously served as a lecturer, banker, commissioner, governor and senator before becoming Vice President in 2023.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima is a visionary and passionate leader, who has distinguished himself in both private and public office. He had a successful career as a lecturer and banker for about two decades before entering public service.

“He served his State, Borno, diligently as Commissioner, Governor, and Senator representing Borno Central before he assumed office as Vice President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima is a committed and selfless public servant whose vision aligns well with that of President Bola Tinubu in ensuring economic stability, social development, and political cohesion.

“He has, over the years, demonstrated pragmatic leadership in various areas at both state and national levels, across private and public sectors,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Besides, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, also congratulated Shettima, describing him as a patriot and distinguished leader committed to Nigeria’s progress.

Yahaya, in a goodwill message on behalf of his colleagues in the forum, said Shettima had demonstrated intellectual depth, courage of conviction, strategic foresight, humility and an abiding commitment to the public good throughout his political career.

He particularly commended the Vice President’s partnership with Tinubu and his role in coordinating critical economic policy discussions through the NEC.

Also, the Northern Senators Forum described the Vice President as a bridge-builder and voice of reason, saying his emergence as Vice President had placed him in a strategic position to advance the interests of Northern Nigeria while strengthening national unity.

In a birthday message signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, the forum said Shettima’s political journey from Borno State commissioner to two-term governor, senator and Vice President reflected resilience, intellect and patriotic service.

The lawmakers said Shettima had distinguished himself as a bridge-builder and voice of reason during his time in the Senate and had continued to demonstrate competence, conviction and compassion as Vice President.

They urged him to deploy his experience and goodwill to advance national unity and development, particularly through greater dialogue, reconciliation and collective action.

The forum also stressed the need for the Vice President to continue advocating development for Northern Nigeria while remaining committed to the broader Nigerian project.

“Your balancing role as both a loyal lieutenant to Mr. President and a voice for your people is a testament to the political dexterity that has marked your career,” the senators said.

The tributes came as political leaders across the country joined Shettima’s family, friends and associates to celebrate the Vice President’s 60th birthday and his years of service in the private and public sectors.