Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, has felicitated Vice-President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing his political journey as remarkable.
Sulaiman, in his birthday message made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, said Shettima’s birthday was a reflection of a remarkable journey spanning banking, governance, legislation and Nigeria’s vice-presidency today.
“Born in Maiduguri on Sept. 2, 1966, Shettima studied Agricultural Economics at University of Maiduguri and later obtained a master’s degree from University of Ibadan.
“He began his banking career and rose to General Manager at Zenith Bank before entering public service, where he served as commissioner across strategic ministries.
“As Borno governor from 2011, Shettima confronted insurgency while pursuing reconstruction, education, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development across communities devastated by Boko Haram, ” Sulaiman said.
According to him, Shettima’s administration established Borno State University, now Kashim Ibrahim University, demonstrating that sustained investment in education remained possible despite insecurity and widespread social disruption.
The director-general noted that since becoming vice-president, Shettima had chaired the National Economic Council, contributing to discussions on investment, food security, agriculture, human capital and economic diversification nationally.
He stated that the vice-president had continued advocating a one trillion dollar economy, greater investment beyond crude oil and stronger participation in artificial intelligence and technological innovation.
“At 60, we celebrate not merely the office he occupies but the journey, experience and commitment that prepared him for successive responsibilities,” he remarked.
Sulaiman prayed Allah to preserve the vice-president, deepen his wisdom, strengthen him for greater service and grant Nigeria peace, prosperity and enduring development.
