President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, the 1st of September, 2025, praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing him as “a loyal deputy, dependable partner and an embodiment of service-driven leadership.”
The president made the remarks in a personal tribute to mark Shettima’s 59th birthday, noting that his decision to pick the former Borno governor as his running mate has remained one of his most rewarding choices.
Tinubu said: “Today presents another unique opportunity to celebrate you, my brother, co-traveller and vice president, as you mark another birthday.
“Since we embarked on this journey, united by the shared vision of building a more prosperous nation, your courage, sense of duty, tenacity, determination, and belief in Nigeria’s greatness have remained unshaken.”
Reflecting on Shettima’s career in public service, the president commended his performance as Borno State governor and later as a senator for Borno Central. Tinubu said Shettima had demonstrated through those roles that “leadership is service, not privilege, even in the face of immense challenges.”
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He also highlighted the vice president’s active role in pushing forward the Renewed Hope Agenda, especially his efforts in global partnership building, food security reforms, and investment promotion.
Tinubu added that Shettima’s contributions continue to reinforce the administration’s work and reassure citizens of its commitment to progress.
“In choosing you then as a partner, I selected competence and other qualities that Nigeria could depend on. Every day, as vice president, you have justified that choice by strengthening our work, bringing fresh perspectives, and upholding our commitment to Nigerians,” the president stated.