BY: ADAMU ALHAJI LAWAN, SEPTEMBER 01, 2026/ 11:25PM
His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Your Excellency, Sir,
On this extraordinary occasion of your 60th birthday, I find myself searching for words worthy enough to celebrate a man whose life, leadership and kindness have touched not only mine, but the lives of countless people across our beloved country.
Today is not simply the celebration of another birthday. It is the celebration of six remarkable decades of life, sacrifice, courage, friendship, leadership and service to humanity.
For those who know you only from a distance, you are His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; a former Governor, Senator and distinguished statesman.
But for those of us privileged to know you more closely, there is another Kashim Shettima behind those distinguished titles: a compassionate human being, a loyal friend, a dependable brother, a generous benefactor and an extraordinary mentor.
Your Excellency, over the years, I have witnessed firsthand your uncommon capacity to remember people, to stand by them in their moments of difficulty, to share in their joys and sorrows, and to extend a helping hand without seeking applause or recognition.
I have personally been a beneficiary of your kindness, generosity, guidance, trust and support in ways that words can scarcely capture. For these, I remain profoundly grateful.
There are debts that money can repay, and there are debts of kindness that can only be carried forever in the heart. Your Excellency, your kindness to me and to so many others belongs to the latter.
Through the years, I have watched you navigate triumph and adversity with remarkable courage. I have seen you shoulder enormous responsibilities while retaining your humanity. I have watched you rise through the ranks of leadership without losing touch with the people and relationships that formed part of your journey.
That, to me, is one of the greatest measures of a man.
Your years as Governor of our beloved Borno State came at an exceptionally difficult period in our history. Yet, when circumstances demanded courage, you stood firm. When our people needed hope, you remained present. When history placed an enormous burden upon your shoulders, you carried it with resilience, faith and determination.
Today, by the special grace of Almighty Allah (SWT), that journey has taken you to the office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
From Borno to Abuja, from the private sector to the highest levels of public service, your story remains an inspiring testimony that destiny, when accompanied by preparation, courage, loyalty and faith in Almighty Allah, can take a man beyond what he ever imagined.
Yet amid all the responsibilities, titles and honours, you have remained unmistakably yourself: intellectually engaging, remarkably humorous, deeply loyal, compassionate and ever willing to support those around you.
Your Excellency, at sixty, yours is already a life of consequence. But I sincerely believe that the finest chapters of your story are yet to be written.
On this special day, my prayer for you comes sincerely from the depth of my heart.
May Almighty Allah (SWT), who has brought you this far, continue to guide every step you take.
May He preserve your life and grant you many more decades in excellent health, happiness, peace and fulfilment.
May Allah strengthen you with wisdom, courage and discernment as you continue to serve our dear nation.
May He protect you from every evil, seen and unseen; surround you with sincere and trustworthy people; bless your family; and reward every act of kindness you have extended to others.
May every hand you have lifted become a testimony before Almighty Allah in your favour.
May every heart you have comforted become a source of divine mercy for you.
May every opportunity you have given to others return to you and your family in multiplied blessings.
And may Almighty Allah continue to elevate you from one honour to another and grant you the grace to leave behind a legacy that generations yet unborn will remember with gratitude.
Your Excellency, as you mark your Diamond Jubilee, please accept my heartfelt congratulations and profound appreciation.
Thank you for the friendship.
Thank you for the mentorship.
Thank you for the trust.
Thank you for the countless acts of kindness and generosity.
And above all, thank you for always being there.
It is my honour and privilege to celebrate you today—not merely as the Vice President of my country, but as a leader, mentor and brother for whom I have the deepest respect and affection.
Happy 60th Birthday, Your Excellency.
May the years ahead bring you greater fulfilment than the years behind; may your strength never diminish; may your wisdom continue to increase; and may Almighty Allah crown your journey with enduring honour, peace and success in this world and Al-Jannatul Firdaus in the Hereafter.
Sixty remarkable years. A lifetime of impact. And, Insha Allah, the best is yet to come.
Happy Diamond Jubilee, Your Excellency, Sir.
With profound respect, gratitude and warmest wishes,
Hon. Adamu Alhaji Lawan