Ahmad Sajoh wishes Shettima at 60, calls his public service ‘The Long Harvest’

Published

2 months ago

September 2, 2026

Ahmad Sajoh wishes Shettima at 60, calls his public service ‘The Long Harvest’

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s 60th birthday has prompted Ahmad Sajoh, Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, to reflect on the journey of a man whose career has taken him from the classroom and banking sector to the Borno State Government House, the Senate and Nigeria’s vice presidency.

In a tribute titled “Kashim Shettima at 60: The Long Harvest,” Ahmad Sajoh described the milestone as a moment to reflect on six decades shaped by education, public service, leadership and a succession of demanding responsibilities.

Shettima turned 60 on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, but had earlier asked friends, associates and well-wishers not to organise birthday parties, newspaper goodwill adverts or congratulatory jingles in his honour.

Instead, he asked those who intended to celebrate him to channel the money towards charities, worthy causes or people in need. He also asked Nigerians to pray for the country rather than praise him.

For Ahmad Sajoh, the request says something about the character of the Vice President.

In his tribute, the public relations practitioner argues that Shettima’s journey has been defined less by ceremony and more by the responsibilities he has assumed at different stages of his career.

Born in Maiduguri on September 2, 1966, Kashim Shettima attended Lamisula Primary School in Maiduguri, Government Community Secondary School, Biu, and Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum.

He studied Agricultural Economics at the University of Maiduguri, graduating in 1989, before obtaining a master’s degree in the same discipline from the University of Ibadan.

Ahmad Sajoh also recalls Shettima’s early career as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri, where he taught until 1993.

From the classroom, Shettima moved into banking, working with Commercial Bank of Africa in Lagos and African International Bank in Kaduna before joining Zenith Bank in 2001.

He rose through the banking ranks to become General Manager and Zonal Head for the North-East before leaving the sector in 2007.

That year marked his entry into government under the administration of former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff.

Shettima served successively as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Education, Agriculture and Health.

Ahmad Sajoh considers those appointments an important part of Shettima’s preparation for higher office, giving him experience across several sectors of state administration before he became governor.

Shettima won the Borno governorship election in 2011 and was re-elected in 2015.

His eight years in office coincided with the height of the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno, when attacks destroyed communities, disrupted education and displaced millions of residents.

It was against that backdrop that Ahmad Sajoh places particular emphasis on Shettima’s response to the destruction of education.

His administration launched the Mega Schools programme, initially planned for 21 institutions before expanding to more than 50.

The programme was designed to provide education and support for children affected by the insurgency, while his government also introduced digital teaching aids, trained teachers abroad and established Borno State University.

Ahmad Sajoh recalls Shettima’s reception of Malala Yousafzai in Maiduguri in 2017 as another significant moment.

For Sajoh, the encounter carried meaning beyond the formalities of a state visit. Malala had become a global advocate for education after surviving an attack linked to her campaign, while Borno was at the centre of an insurgency that had repeatedly targeted schools.

The tribute, however, does not overlook the controversies surrounding Shettima’s tenure as governor.

Ahmad Sajoh acknowledges criticism over the management of internally displaced persons’ camps and the debate generated by Shettima’s calls for the arming of the Civilian JTF.

He nevertheless highlights what he regards as an important feature of Shettima’s tenure: he remained in Borno throughout the insurgency and completed his two terms in office.

In 2019, Shettima handed over to Babagana Zulum, whom he had appointed Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement.

Shettima subsequently moved to the Senate, representing Borno Central from 2019 to 2023.

His political career took another turn in 2022 when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu selected him as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

The ticket won, and Kashim Shettima was sworn in as Nigeria’s 15th Vice President on May 29, 2023.

As Vice President, he became Chairman of the National Economic Council, placing him at the centre of discussions between the Federal Government and the states on major economic issues.

Ahmad Sajoh highlights Shettima’s involvement in discussions around economic reforms, food security and other national issues as another chapter in a career that has moved steadily from one level of responsibility to another.

President Tinubu also marked the occasion by describing his deputy as a patriot whose life had been shaped by service and sacrifice.

For Ahmad Sajoh, however, Shettima’s story extends beyond political office.

He describes the Vice President as a man who reads, remembers and maintains friendships beyond political boundaries. He also highlights Shettima’s loyalty to President Tinubu and the partnership between the two men since their emergence on the 2023 presidential ticket.

Sajoh also recalls Shettima’s family life, noting that he married Nana Usman Alkali in 1998 and that they have three children.

But the writer returns to Shettima’s own words as the most fitting message for his 60th birthday.

Ahead of the milestone, the Vice President acknowledged the contribution of his family, teachers, colleagues, friends, well-wishers and even strangers to his journey.

He recognised that reaching any significant point in life is rarely the work of one person alone.

He then wished those who wished him well “the quiet joy of being useful”.

For Ahmad Sajoh, those words capture the essence of the man he is celebrating.

The agricultural economist in Shettima understands that a harvest does not come overnight. It requires preparation, work, patience and time.

That metaphor, Sajoh argues, fits Shettima’s journey.

The teacher became a banker. The banker became a commissioner. The commissioner became governor. The governor became senator. The senator became Vice President.

Each stage brought new responsibilities and another season of service.

That is the long harvest Ahmad Sajoh sees at 60.

His tribute is therefore both a reflection on Kashim Shettima’s six decades and a birthday wish from a writer who sees a long career of public service behind the Vice President’s current position.

As Ahmad Sajoh wishes the Vice President a happy 60th birthday, he closes with a simple prayer:

“May the country you serve deserve the service.”

Related Topics:Ahmad Sajoh Kashim Shettima at 60 Shettima birthday tribute

Up Next

Ekiti First Lady Urges Youths to Read, Build Purposeful Relationships

Don't Miss

AELOGSUP Receives ₦1m Second Tranche, Thanks Governor Oyebanji

Click to comment

“Nurturing Minds and Shaping the Future Remains Our Priority” – Comrade Boluwaji Isola, Moba Student Union President

Published

3 weeks ago

October 12, 2026

GistNaijaHub

“Nurturing Minds and Shaping the Future Remains Our Priority” – Comrade Boluwaji Isola, Moba Student Union President

The President of the Federation of Moba Local Government Students’ Union (FEMLGSU), Comrade Boluwaji Ebenezer Isola, has reaffirmed his commitment to educational development and student capacity building with the hosting of NURVISTA ’26, an initiative designed to promote academic excellence and nurture young talent across Moba Local Government.

The programme, held at Olowojorubu Hall, Moba Local Government Secretariat, Otun-Ekiti, featured spelling bee, quiz and essay-writing competitions, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking, spelling proficiency and writing skills.

The initiative, themed “Nurturing Minds, Cultivating Vision, and Shaping the Future,” reflects Isola’s manifesto commitment to creating opportunities for students to develop their intellectual abilities and achieve their academic potential.

NURVISTA ’26 advances student development agenda

Through the programme, FEMLGSU brought students together to compete, showcase their abilities and earn recognition for their academic performance.

The event also provided a platform for encouraging intellectual engagement and healthy competition among students from participating schools, with cash prizes awarded to the top three positions in each category.

A total of ₦240,000 was awarded across the spelling bee, quiz and essay-writing competitions.

In the spelling bee, Adeleye Adesewa of Seventh Day Adventist, Ikun-Ekiti, emerged first and received ₦25,000. Oyeyemi Eniola of SUBEB Model, Otun-Ekiti, came second with ₦15,000, while Okenua Chinedu of Seventh Day Adventist, Eleti, Otun-Ekiti, placed third and received ₦10,000.

The quiz competition was won by Oluwadare Gift and Ajayi Samuel Iyanuola of Saliu Adeoti Memorial Comprehensive High School, Otun-Ekiti, who received ₦35,000.

Omotayo Oluwapelumi and Abegunde Timileyin of Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti, placed second with ₦25,000, while Adeleke Abiola Josiah and Olabode Testimony of Aaye-Oja Community Grammar School, Aaye-Oja-Ekiti, finished third with ₦15,000.

In the essay-writing category, Owolabi Oluwanifemi Patience emerged first and received ₦50,000. Fadare Joshua Alaba placed second with ₦35,000, while Fadare Helen Opeyemi came third and received ₦20,000.

Manifesto commitment puts education in focus

NURVISTA ’26 represents a practical expression of FEMLGSU’s stated commitment to educational advancement and capacity building among students in Moba Local Government.

By organising competitions that assess different academic skills, the union has created an avenue for students to demonstrate their strengths while encouraging learning, confidence and intellectual development.

The initiative also highlights the role student organisations can play in supporting educational opportunities beyond the classroom. Sustaining such programmes, however, will require continued collaboration with schools, parents, educators, community leaders and other stakeholders.

FEMLGSU recognises contributions of partners

The union congratulated the winners and commended all participating students and schools for their preparation, courage and determination.

It also acknowledged the Academic Committee for its planning and coordination of the event, alongside the participating schools, students, distinguished guests, speakers, sponsors and other contributors whose support helped deliver the programme.

FEMLGSU called on parents, educators, government representatives, community leaders, organisations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the union in sustaining educational initiatives and youth-development programmes.

Building a stronger future for Moba students

For Isola and FEMLGSU, the broader objective of NURVISTA ’26 is to encourage students to recognise their abilities, pursue academic excellence and develop skills that can support their future ambitions.

The initiative aligns with the president’s stated manifesto focus on capacity building and educational development, placing student advancement at the centre of the union’s activities.

As FEMLGSU seeks broader stakeholder support, sustaining initiatives such as NURVISTA will be important in expanding educational opportunities and encouraging more young people across Moba Local Government to reach their potential.

FEMLGSU Holds NURVISTA ’26 to Promote Academic Excellence in Moba

Published

4 weeks ago

October 11, 2026

GistNaijaHub

FEMLGSU Uses NURVISTA ’26 to Promote Academic Excellence in Moba

The Federation of Moba Local Government Students’ Union (FEMLGSU), led by her president, Comrade Boluwaji Ebenezer Isola, has held her NURVISTA ’26 educational initiative, bringing students together for spelling bee, quiz and essay-writing competitions aimed at promoting academic excellence and nurturing young talent across Moba Local Government.

Held at Olowojorubu Hall, Moba Local Government Secretariat, Otun-Ekiti, the programme featured the theme “Nurturing Minds, Cultivating Vision, and Shaping the Future”.

The initiative provided a platform for students to demonstrate their spelling proficiency, subject knowledge, critical thinking and writing abilities while competing for cash prizes.

Students win ₦240,000 in prizes

The competitions recognised nine winning positions across the three categories, with a combined prize pool of ₦240,000.

The quiz competition was won by Oluwadare Gift and Ajayi Samuel Iyanuola of Saliu Adeoti Memorial Comprehensive High School, Otun-Ekiti. The team received ₦35,000.

Omotayo Oluwapelumi and Abegunde Timileyin of Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti, finished second with ₦25,000, while Adeleke Abiola Josiah and Olabode Testimony of Aaye-Oja Community Grammar School, Aaye-Oja-Ekiti, placed third and received ₦15,000.

In the essay-writing category, Owolabi Oluwanifemi Patience won first place and received ₦50,000. Fadare Joshua Alaba came second with ₦35,000, while Fadare Helen Opeyemi placed third and won ₦20,000.

FEMLGSU reaffirms commitment to education

FEMLGSU congratulated the winners and commended all participating students and schools for their preparation, courage and determination.

The union said NURVISTA ’26 reflected its commitment to creating opportunities for students to develop their abilities and pursue academic excellence. Under Isola’s leadership, the initiative also provides a platform for the union to engage students and encourage greater participation in educational activities.

The union acknowledged the dedication of its Academic Committee in planning and coordinating the event. It also thanked participating schools, students, guests, speakers, sponsors and other contributors for their support.

Union seeks wider support for youth development

FEMLGSU called on parents, educators, community leaders, government representatives, organisations and other stakeholders to partner with the union in sustaining initiatives that promote education and youth development in Moba Local Government.

Continued collaboration would help create more opportunities for young people to develop their intellectual abilities and prepare for future responsibilities, said by the union stakeholders

The Union reiterated its commitment to nurturing talent and supporting students, emphasising the importance of investing in young people as part of efforts to build a stronger future for Moba Local Government.

NURVISTA ’26 concluded with the recognition of outstanding participants and appreciation for those who contributed to the programme, reinforcing the union’s stated commitment to academic development and student empowerment.

Oyebanji Rewards Ekiti Teachers With Disabilities With ₦6.5m

Published

1 month ago

October 6, 2026

GistNaijaHub

Oyebanji Rewards Ekiti Teachers With Disabilities With ₦6.5m

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has rewarded teachers and school administrators with disabilities with ₦6.5 million at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ado-Ekiti.

The award, presented at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion along New Iyin Road, recognised five educators and administrators from the state’s special schools for their performance and service.

Mrs Olaniyi Bamidele Ruth of the Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti, won the top prize of ₦2 million in the special education teaching category.

Mrs Adebayo Adenike Comfort of the Government Special School, Ido-Ekiti, came second and received ₦1 million, while Mrs Christianah Ojo of the Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti, placed third with ₦500,000.

In the administrative category, Mrs Adu Olaide Temitope, principal of the Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti, received ₦2 million after emerging first.

Mr Salami Oduntan Rasak, principal of the Government Special School for Children with Intellectual Disability and Physical Challenges, Ido-Ekiti, placed second and received ₦1 million.

The combined awards brought the total cash distributed to the five awardees to ₦6.5 million.

The celebration, held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Futures,” also provided the Oyebanji administration an opportunity to outline its investments in public education.

Mr Oyebanji thanked teachers across the state for what he described as their support and commitment to his administration.

«“Their commitment and dedication to duty have enhanced and improved teaching and learning outcomes,” the governor said.»

He also acknowledged education stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Association of Principals of Public Schools, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers and private school owners.

Mr Oyebanji said his administration was modernising public schools to prepare students for a technology-driven economy.

According to him, all 203 public secondary schools in the state now have ICT laboratories, interactive boards and 5kVA inverters. He added that internet facilities had been installed in 125 schools.

The governor also said old school buildings had been renovated across the state, while perimeter fencing had been provided for 54 public secondary schools.

CCTV cameras, he said, had been installed in 48 schools, with another 85 scheduled for installation.

The Commissioner for Education, Olabimpe Aderiye, said the state government had invested more than ₦18 billion in education over the past four years.

Mrs Aderiye said the expenditure included ₦11.9 billion in counterpart funding, ₦2.289 billion in running grants and ₦546.9 million for feeding pupils in the state’s three special schools.

She also listed ₦2.1 billion for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, ₦955 million for school placement fees and ₦125 million for National Business and Technical Examinations Board examinations.

The government did not provide an independent breakdown in the statement showing how the various figures combine to reach the stated ₦18 billion total.

Princess Adetoun Agboola, the governor’s Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, described the recognition of teachers with disabilities as significant.

She said the awards showed that teachers with disabilities remained valued members of the education workforce.

“By honouring PWDs, we are saying that disability is not inability, and that every teacher, regardless of ability, is valued and seen,” she said.

Mrs Agboola said this was the third occasion on which persons with disabilities had received specific recognition for their service under the administration.

She also stressed the role of non-teaching staff in running schools, saying administrators, clerks, secretaries, bursars and typists contribute to the effective operation of educational institutions.

The recognition of educators with disabilities placed inclusion at the centre of Ekiti’s 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, while the government used the occasion to highlight its broader education policies and infrastructure programme.