‘Donate to charity’ — Shettima asks well-wishers not to place ads on his birthday

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has asked friends and well wishers to shelve the placement of newspaper and television adverts to celebrate his 58th birthday on September 2.

In a statement on Thursday, Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to the vice-president, said that Shettima prefers for his well-wishers to donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens.

Nwokocha said the vice-president appreciates the goodwill, but intends to use the special moment to “reflect and recommit himself to the tenets of responsive and good governance”.

“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.” the statement reads.

“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.

“As he prepares to use this special moment to reflect and recommit himself to the tenets of responsive and good governance for the overall benefit of the people, the Vice President remains ever grateful for the goodwill he enjoys from Nigerians and the best wishes a great number of his well-wishers have demonstrated towards him over the years.”