Tinubu on Shettima’s 59th birthday: You’re loyal, dependable, competent, no mistake in your choice as VP

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Vice President Kashim Shettima as a loyal partner, dependable ally, and a competent leader whose service to Nigeria has remained remarkable.

President Tinubu was paying tribute t Shettima to mark the VP’s 59th birthday.

A statement personally issued by the President on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Tinubu as saying he had “made no mistake” in choosing Shettima as his running mate and eventual deputy.

According to him, “Today, September 2, 2025, presents me with another unique opportunity to celebrate you, my brother, partner, and Vice President, as you mark another birthday.”

He highlighted Shettima’s courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress since joining him on the “shared journey of building a more prosperous nation.”

President Tinubu said, “Your courage, sense of duty, tenacity, determination, and belief in Nigeria’s greatness have remained unshaken.”

Recalling Shettima’s track record as a two-term Governor of Borno State and later as Senator representing Borno Central, President Tinubu said his deputy had demonstrated that “leadership is service, not privilege, even in the face of immense challenges.”

He said Shettima’s contributions at the federal level, saying his passion for democracy, governance, and economic development had been “remarkable and inspiring.”

The President also stressed that Shettima’s vibrancy, loyalty, and competence had strengthened his administration’s efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added: “Every day, as Vice President, you have justified that choice by strengthening our work, bringing fresh perspectives, and upholding our commitment to Nigerians.”

He emphasized that Shettima’s role in forging global partnerships, driving food security, and implementing investment reforms has been commendable and integral to early gains.

He said, “In the months ahead, as we unlock new trade corridors and deliver more schools, hospitals, and jobs, our partnership will continue to yield results that Nigerians can see and feel.”

Tinubu, who described his bond with Shettima as one rooted in trust and shared vision, added that, “Our relationship transcends official duties. It is a bridge across regions and traditions, united in purpose and service. You remind us of what is possible when Nigeria comes first, an example worthy of emulation by those who aspire to lead.”

Tinubu prayed for continued vitality and wisdom for the Vice President.

“On this occasion of your 59th birthday, I heartily wish you renewed vitality, wisdom and more years of impact. Happy birthday, Kashim, and many happy returns,” the President said.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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