First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has celebrated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, praising his years of public service and describing his record as one marked by strength, loyalty, commitment and love for Nigeria.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu delivered the birthday message on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as Shettima marked his Diamond Jubilee, joining his wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, family, friends and political associates in celebrating the milestone.
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In her message, the First Lady acknowledged Shettima’s journey from banking into public service, including his years as Governor of Borno State, Senator representing Borno Central and, since 2023, Vice President of Nigeria.
“On this occasion of your Diamond Jubilee, I join your wife, Her Excellency Hajia Nana Shettima, family and friends in celebrating you,” she said.
“As Vice President of our beloved nation, you have exemplified strength, loyalty, commitment and love for country.”
The tribute offered a warm reflection on a career that has taken Shettima from the banking sector into some of Nigeria’s most prominent political offices.
Born in Maiduguri, Borno State, on September 2, 1966, Shettima studied Agricultural Economics and later built a banking career that included senior positions at several financial institutions.
He entered Borno State politics in 2007 as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development before serving in several other ministries.
He was elected Governor of Borno State in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, serving until 2019.
He subsequently entered the Senate as representative of Borno Central before becoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
Oluremi Tinubu specifically highlighted those different chapters of Shettima’s career.
“I celebrate your achievements as former Governor of Borno State, a former distinguished Senator and an accomplished Banker,” she said.
Her message comes shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also paid tribute to his deputy ahead of the birthday, describing Shettima as a trusted ally and partner in the administration.
President Tinubu praised the Vice President’s courage, diligence and commitment to public service, while highlighting his role as Chairman of the National Economic Council and his contribution to economic policy coordination between the Federal Government and the states.
The President also linked Shettima’s service to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying his loyalty and support had remained valuable to the government.
The birthday tributes have taken place against the backdrop of Shettima’s decision to keep the celebration deliberately low-key.
In an earlier statement, the Vice President appealed to friends, associates and well-wishers not to organise public birthday celebrations, congratulatory gatherings or goodwill adverts to mark his 60th birthday.
Shettima said he wanted public attention to remain focused on national development rather than personal celebration, urging well-wishers instead to offer prayers for Nigeria, the administration’s economic reforms, national security, unity and prosperity.
That decision has given the milestone a quieter character, even as senior political figures and public officials have continued to acknowledge his contribution to national affairs.
For Oluremi Tinubu, the occasion was also an opportunity to recognise the personal and professional qualities she believes have shaped Shettima’s public life.
She prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to grant the Vice President divine health, peace, joy and happiness.
“As you attain this milestone, I pray Almighty Allah continues to bless you with divine health, peace, joy and happiness,” the First Lady said.
The tribute reflects the close working relationship between the President and Vice President as they approach another phase of their administration.
For Shettima, turning 60 marks more than a personal birthday.
It represents a career that has moved through banking, state administration, legislative service and the highest levels of Nigeria’s executive government.
As the Vice President enters his seventh decade, the messages from the Presidency and the First Lady have placed particular emphasis on service, partnership and continued commitment to the country.
The celebrations may be low-key by design, but the significance of the milestone has not gone unnoticed.
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For a public servant whose career has spanned more than three decades, the birthday offers a moment to reflect on a remarkable journey from Maiduguri banking circles to the centre of Nigeria’s national leadership.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
