President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Vice-President Kashim Shettima as his “brother and partner” as he congratulated him on attaining the age of 60.
Shettima will mark his 60th birthday on September 2, 2026.
The President used the occasion to praise his deputy’s career in banking, political service and his contributions to the administration.
In a birthday message issued on Tuesday, Tinubu said Shettima had remained a trusted partner in running the affairs of the country and commended him for his years of service to Borno State and Nigeria.
“Today, I warmly congratulate Vice President Kashim Shettima @KashimSM @officialSKSM, my brother and partner in steering the ship of our state, on his 60th birthday,” Tinubu said.
The President extended his greetings to Shettima’s wife, Nana, his children, family members and political associates, saying the milestone deserved recognition.
He described the Vice-President as more than a political ally, portraying him as a patriot whose public life had been marked by service, commitment and sacrifice.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also noted Shettima’s banking career before his entry into politics and his subsequent rise to become governor of Borno State and Vice-President of Nigeria.
“In celebrating Kashim, we celebrate his distinguished banking career and exemplary record of service to Borno State and Nigeria,” the President said.
He praised Shettima’s commitment to national unity and development, saying the Vice-President had demonstrated “courage, diligence, compassion and an abiding commitment to improving the lives of the people” in his different public offices.
Tinubu also acknowledged Shettima’s loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I acknowledge, in particular, Vice-President Shettima’s loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), support for the administration and his unwavering dedication to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
As Chairman of the National Economic Council, Tinubu said Shettima had played an important role in bringing the Federal Government and state governments together on economic matters.
He credited the Vice-President with providing leadership in coordinating economic policies and promoting cooperation between the federal and sub-national governments.
“As Chairman of the National Economic Council, Shettima has provided purposeful leadership in coordinating economic policy and fostering collaboration among the Federal Government and the sub-nationals,” Tinubu said.
The President also praised Shettima’s approach to governance, saying his respect for constitutional processes, democratic institutions, consultation and dialogue had contributed to the administration’s efforts to strengthen good governance.
According to Tinubu, Shettima’s loyalty and judgement had made him an important figure within the administration.
“As a trusted partner, his loyalty, wisdom and sense of duty have remained invaluable to the administration,” the President said.
Tinubu further expressed appreciation to his deputy for his continued support as both men work to implement the administration’s promises to Nigerians.
“I must thank Vice President Shettima for his steadfast support and partnership as we continue to join hands in delivering the promises of Renewed Hope to Nigerians,” he said.
He expressed confidence that their continued cooperation would produce further progress for the country.
“I am confident that working together, we will continue to make meaningful progress in building the Nigeria of our dreams,” Tinubu added.
The President’s message comes days after Shettima asked Nigerians and his associates to keep his 60th birthday celebrations private and avoid placing congratulatory advertisements in newspapers or broadcasting birthday messages across television, radio and digital platforms.
Through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice-President had appealed for the occasion to be observed quietly, saying national issues should remain the priority.
“To ensure absolute propriety, I respectfully appeal that there should be no public birthday celebrations, congratulatory gatherings or goodwill advertorials across print, broadcast and digital media platforms,” Shettima had said.
Rather than organising celebrations, Shettima asked well-wishers to pray for Nigeria and the Tinubu administration, particularly over economic reforms, insecurity, national unity, peace and prosperity.
He had said his 60th birthday should be an occasion for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to public service.
Shettima became Vice-President alongside Tinubu after their victory in the 2023 presidential election.
