The Vice President has urged his numerous friends and political allies to refrain from “placing birthday wishes on newspaper pages or utilizing paid channels to convey your greetings” in their endeavours to commemorate his birthday.
In a press statement personally signed by the Vice President, who will turn 57 on September 2nd, he stated that the decision was made “in the spirit of our nation’s commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance.”
Below is the full text of the Vice President’s press statement:
“Dear friends and well-wishers,
“Greetings to you all.
“As we approach the anniversary of my birth on September 2nd, I am utterly grateful for the warm wishes and kind sentiments that many of you have expressed over the years. Your thoughtfulness has touched my heart and has been a source of immense joy.
“At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to humbly request that you consider celebrating this occasion in a different way. In the spirit of our nation’s commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance, I kindly ask you to refrain from placing birthday wishes on newspaper pages or utilizing paid channels to convey your greetings.
“I invite you to join me in channeling our collective efforts towards a nobler cause. Instead of spending resources on such messages, I encourage you to contribute to the betterment of our society by donating to charity organizations in need, or your preference, in our collective pursuit of a humane and functional world.
“Thank you for your understanding and for being my all-weather friends and allies.
Warm regards.
Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON,
Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
