I am honored to pay special tribute to a man of uncommon distinction, a colossus of leadership, and a shining exemplar of excellence. His Excellency, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, is 59. Your remarkable journey is a testament to your unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and unshakeable commitment to excellence.
From the hallowed halls of the University of Maiduguri, where you imparted knowledge as a lecturer, to the high-stakes world of banking, where you distinguished yourself as an astute banker, your trajectory has been marked by an unquenchable thirst for challenge and a penchant for achievement. Your academic and professional pedigree is a testament to your intellectual rigor, your capacity for hard work, and your innate ability to excel in any field you choose to pursue.
Your foray into politics was equally impressive, as you served with distinction as Honorable Commissioner in various Ministries in the Government of Borno State. Your leadership acumen and vision subsequently earned you the mantle of Executive Governor of Borno State, a position you occupied with honor and integrity. During your tenure as Governor of Borno State, you witnessed harsh governance environment, yet you surmounted all challenges and implemented policies and programs that transformed Borno State, improved the lives of its citizens, and left an indelible mark on its landscape.
The Senate beckoned, and you answered, bringing your unique blend of intellectual rigor, legislative savvy, and leadership expertise to the hallowed chambers. As a Distinguished Senator, you played a key role in shaping the nation’s laws, providing oversight, and representing the interests of your constituents. Your contributions to the legislative process were significant, and your commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people was evident in every aspect of your work.
And now, as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you have attained the pinnacle of national service. This is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and ability to inspire confidence in those around you. As Vice President, you have continued to demonstrate your absolute loyalty to the Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief, your capacity for leadership, ability to work collaboratively with others, and your commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.
As we celebrate your remarkable odyssey, we cannot help but wonder: what’s next for this consummate achiever? Will you continue to defy gravity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible? Will you leverage your vast experience to mentor a new generation of leaders, imparting the wisdom you have gained and the lessons you have learned? Or will you chart a new course, exploring uncharted territories and unlocking new opportunities for growth, development, and progress?
It is our fervent belief that His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has made an inspired choice in selecting you as his Vice President. Mr. President may not find a better partner from the Northern part of Nigeria, with a more impressive pedigree, to help him navigate the complexities of governance and actualize his vision for Nigeria. Your wealth of experience, leadership acumen, and commitment to excellence make you an invaluable asset to the administration, and we have no doubt that you will play a crucial role in driving the reforms that will take Nigeria out of the woods.
Whatever the future holds, we are confident that you will continue to inspire, to motivate, and to leave an indelible mark on our nation. Your legacy is already assured, but we have no doubt that you will continue to build on your achievements, to break new ground, and to push the frontiers of what is possible.
As we honor your achievements, we are reminded of the power of hard work, determination, and resilience. We are reminded that with dedication and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle, achieve greatness, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Congratulations, Your Excellency, on your remarkable journey thus far. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Senator Kashim Shettima saga, and we have no doubt that it will be just as inspiring, just as motivating, and just as remarkable as all that has come before, 59 years on.
~ Duhu, LLM, Ph.D. can be reached via [email protected]
