Tinubu, Others Rejoice with Shettima at 57 

Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with Vice President Kashim Shettima as he clocks 57 today.

According to a statement issued yesterday by presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, “President Tinubu joined family, friends and associates of the former Governor of Borno State in giving thanksgiving to God for the sustained grace of wisdom, character, compassion and bold leadership demonstrated by the Vice President over his years of service to Nigeria with notable distinction in both the private and public sectors.”

The President extolled Shettima for his undying loyalty to the nation, and his steadfast resolve to improve society throughout an illustrious career, which included service in education as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri, prior to moving into, and rising meteorically through the banking industry, before accepting to serve Borno State as a commissioner in five different ministries.

President Tinubu also hailed the Vice President for his unusual courage in presiding over Borno State for eight years, during which a deadly insurgency riddled large areas of the North-east. 

“This remarkable public servant defied all odds in the region with a ferociously intellectual mind and an innovative doggedness to solve dynamic problems with dynamic solutions, building high quality leaders and institutions for the sustainably developing future of Borno State.”

The President prayed for the continued well-being of the quintessential political leader and his family. Also, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan;  Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, have congratulated Shettima on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

The senators in their various statements, said the Vice President, who was born in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on September 2, 1966, has made indelible progressive marks in both private and public spheres of the country to the admiration of all.

Barau said, “As a banker, he was one of the high flyers in the industry before delving into the political scene where he is contributing immensely to the entrenchment of democracy in the country. “He raised the bar in governance during his tenure as governor of Borno State between 2011 and 2019, despite the security challenges in the state at that time.

“Also, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior (2019 -2023), he worked tirelessly to address the challenges facing agencies under his committee.”

Lawan said Shettima’s contribution to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, marks him out to be celebrated for his genuine commitment to national growth and development. 

The former Senate President commended the Vice President for raising leaders within and outside the private and public sectors, who all share his vision for a greater Nigeria. 

He said, “Your forthrightness and generosity sets you apart from amongst your peers as a fine gentleman, philanthropist and an exceptional leader.”

Kalu, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation in the 10th Senate, described Shettima as a consummate politician and philanthropist of repute.

He said that Nigeria’s Vice President has consistently demonstrated loyalty, dedication and commitment to the growth and progress of humanity and Nigeria in general.”

Sani in his message said, “Shettima’s contributions to nation building are worthy of commendation and emulation.

“He has consistently demonstrated humility, courage, selflessness and generosity in his pursuits. I urge the Vice President to sustain his good deeds in all facets of life,” he said.