Former Ekiti State Governor and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum,  Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on his 70th birthday, praising his record of public service and contribution to Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday by Fayemi’s media office, the former governor described Mustapha’s 70th birthday as a moment to reflect on decades of service, leadership and commitment to the country.

Fayemi said Mustapha distinguished himself in public office through patriotism, diligence, humility and a strong sense of duty.

He particularly recalled Mustapha’s tenure as SGF, saying he brought experience, wisdom and a calm disposition to the position during a significant period in Nigeria’s history.

“Your remarkable journey in public service and contributions to our national life are worthy of commendation,” Fayemi said.

He added that Mustapha’s contribution went beyond the offices he occupied, pointing to his continued commitment to public service and his belief in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its challenges.

Fayemi also praised the former SGF’s conduct after leaving office, describing his approach to public life as marked by dignity, maturity and statesmanship.

According to him, Nigeria needs experienced voices and people capable of building bridges, making Mustapha’s counsel particularly valuable at this stage of the country’s development.

“Your 70th birthday is a celebration of a life that has touched many people and contributed meaningfully to our national development,” he said.

Fayemi joined Mustapha’s family, friends, associates and Nigerians across the country in celebrating the milestone, wishing him continued good health, peace and fulfilment.

He also prayed that God would grant the former SGF the wisdom and strength to continue serving humanity and Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head of the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, and dated September 4, 2026.

The First Lady of Ekiti State, Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged young people to develop a strong reading culture and build relationships grounded in integrity, trust and service, saying character remains critical to lasting success.

Mrs Oyebanji gave the charge at the sixth edition of the Peace House Book Club in Ado-Ekiti, where participants reviewed Cultivating Strategic Relationships: The Uncommon Advantage to Achieving Personal Fulfilment, a 256-page book by Gbenga Emiloju.

The event, held at the Shores Complex, Peace House, brought together academics, public servants, writers, political analysts and other professionals to examine how purposeful relationships can influence personal growth, career advancement and leadership.

Represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy, Eunice Fasanmi, the First Lady praised the book club’s convener, Olapeju Babafemi, for sustaining an initiative that promotes reading, values and human capital development at the grassroots.

Mrs Oyebanji said the abundance of information in the digital age had not necessarily produced greater wisdom, making spaces for reading and thoughtful engagement increasingly important.

She said the central argument of Mr Emiloju’s book also found expression in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s career, which, she said, demonstrated how relationships built over time can create opportunities and shape leadership journeys.

She traced the governor’s progression from university teaching to his involvement in the creation of Ekiti State and subsequent service as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government.

According to her, those stages of his career showed the value of investing in people, maintaining trust and serving others without an immediate expectation of reward.

Mrs Oyebanji urged young people to build their networks before they need them, noting that competence could open doors, but character and a credible record determine how long a person remains relevant.

She also described integrity as a valuable form of currency in governance, business, professional life and family relationships.

“Your net worth is not only about money,” she said, stressing the importance of having reliable mentors, friends, colleagues and associates who can offer guidance and support when it matters.

The book review featured contributions from Fola Richie-Adewusi, a former public office holder, and Oluwole Adebayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ekiti State University.

Mr Adebayo examined the book’s 17 chapters and described strategic relationships as bridges to opportunities that financial resources alone may not provide.

The gathering attracted the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, who served as Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola.

Others included the Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Olawunmi Famuyiwa; Chairman of the Senate Committee on University Ranking at EKSU, Tunde Olofinbiyi; General Manager of NTA Ado-Ekiti, Ishaq Akande; political analyst and author, Oke Aruleba; and senior government officials Yemi Kayode-Ojo and Sola Adeluyi-Femi.

The discussions ended with a call for participants to take a closer look at the people they surround themselves with, strengthen their personal values and build relationships that support growth and responsible leadership.

The sixth edition reinforced the book club’s focus on using literature as a platform for learning, conversation and personal development in Ekiti State.

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.”