AANI celebrates Shettima at 60, hails commitment to nation-building
The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has felicitated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, commending his commitment to public service, nation-building and the development of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
In a birthday tribute dated Wednesday, September 2, 2026, AANI President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, said the association was mindful of Shettima’s wish for the occasion to be observed quietly, with attention focused on national development rather than personal celebration.
“We are mindful of Your Excellency’s expressed wish that this milestone be observed quietly, with public attention directed towards the more pressing task of nation building rather than personal celebration. We fully respect your wishes,” Okafor said.
He, however, noted that members of the NIPSS family could not allow the occasion to pass without recognising Shettima’s journey and contributions to the country.
“Nevertheless, as members of the family of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, we cannot allow this special day to pass without acknowledging your remarkable journey of service and expressing our sincere appreciation for your friendship, support and commitment to our Alma Mater,” the statement said.
AANI described Shettima’s career trajectory, from banking to public office as governor of Borno State, senator and Vice President, as one characterised by courage, resilience and intellectual depth.
“Your Excellency’s distinguished journey from the banking profession through public service as Governor of Borno State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to your present position as Vice President has been marked by courage, resilience, intellectual depth and an commitment to the Nigerian project,” Okafor stated.
The association said its appreciation for the Vice President extended beyond the office he currently occupies, highlighting his accessibility and support for the alumni body.
“For AANI, our appreciation goes beyond the office you occupy. We particularly acknowledge and commend Your Excellency’s warm disposition towards the Association, your accessibility and receptiveness to our engagements, and your recognition of the immense reservoir of knowledge, experience and strategic capacity within the NIPSS alumni community,” it said.
AANI also praised Shettima for his “consistent support” for NIPSS, describing the institution as an important centre for policy research, strategic thinking and leadership development.
“We are especially grateful for your consistent support for NIPSS Kuru, our Alma Mater, and your appreciation of its strategic importance to national development,” the statement added.
“Your commitment to strengthening the Institute as a centre of excellence for policy research, strategic thinking and leadership development is deeply appreciated by the entire NIPSS family.”
The association further commended Shettima for recognising the importance of translating policy recommendations generated by NIPSS into practical governance outcomes.
“Your Excellency’s recognition of the need to ensure that the wealth of knowledge and policy recommendations generated by NIPSS translate into tangible outcomes in governance is particularly commendable,” AANI said.
According to the association, such an approach demonstrates an understanding that NIPSS and its alumni represent a significant national resource capable of contributing to solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
“It reflects your understanding that the Institute and its alumni constitute an important national asset whose intellectual resources can contribute significantly to addressing Nigeria’s complex developmental, security, economic and social challenges,” the statement said.
AANI also expressed appreciation for Shettima’s willingness to engage with the association on matters of national importance.
“Your disposition towards our ideas and initiatives has reinforced our belief that the NIPSS family can and should remain a strategic partner in the collective effort to build a more secure, prosperous, united and resilient Nigeria,” it stated.
The association said Shettima’s birthday should be viewed not merely as the celebration of another year but as an opportunity to recognise his years of public service.
“As you attain another milestone in your life, we celebrate not merely the passage of another year, but a life dedicated to public service and the advancement of our dear country,” Okafor said.
AANI prayed for continued wisdom, strength, sound health, courage and divine guidance for the Vice President as he carries out his responsibilities to the President and Nigerians.
“We pray that Almighty Allah will continue to grant Your Excellency wisdom, strength, sound health, courage and divine guidance as you discharge the enormous responsibilities entrusted to you by the President and the people of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The association also wished Shettima greater fulfilment in the years ahead and expressed hope that he would continue contributing to Nigeria’s peace, stability, prosperity and development.
“May the years ahead bring you greater fulfilment and enable you to continue contributing meaningfully to the peace, stability, prosperity and development of our beloved nation,” AANI said.
“Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
“May Almighty Allah continue to bless you and your family, and grant you many more years of purposeful service to Nigeria.”
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