Shettima At 60: ‘You Gave Me Every Reason to Seek Public Office’ — Mahmoud Bala Alfa
As Vice President Kashim Shettima marks his 60th birthday, Kogi East senatorial aspirant, Dr. Mahmoud Bala Alfa, has described him as a mentor and leader whose example influenced his decision to seek elective public office.
In a birthday message to mark Shettima’s 60th birthday, Alfa said his relationship with the Vice President had gone beyond politics, describing him as a friend, mentor and leader who had made a significant impact on his understanding of public service.
Alfa, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Vibranium Group, said he had always been attracted to the business world and, despite growing up in a political family and being close to politics for most of his life, had never been in a hurry to seek elective office.
“But you gave me every reason to take that step,” he said of Shettima.
According to him, spending time around the Vice President makes it difficult not to understand the importance of public service.
“No one can spend time around you and not begin to understand why public service matters. Your commitment to the people, the sacrifices you make every day and the way you continue to give yourself make it difficult for anyone close to you not to want to do more for society,” Alfa said.
He said he sometimes wondered how Shettima managed the demands of his office, given the high expectations and responsibilities attached to the position.
“The demands of your office are enormous, the expectations are high, yet you continue to show up, listen, work and give your best. Sometimes, I genuinely wonder how you manage to do all that you do,” he said.
Alfa also recalled Shettima’s journey from the banking sector to his years as Governor of Borno State and his current role as Vice President, saying the journey had given a special meaning to leadership.
He said Shettima had shown through his career that leadership was about accepting responsibility, making difficult decisions, making sacrifices and remaining committed to the people.
The Kogi East aspirant also praised the Vice President for his personal qualities, saying he had experienced his kindness, willingness to listen and readiness to offer counsel when it mattered.
“I have had the privilege of knowing you beyond the office you occupy. I have seen your kindness, your willingness to listen and your readiness to offer counsel when it matters. Your advice and encouragement have meant a great deal to me, and I remain grateful for the confidence and support you have shown me,” he said.
Alfa said Nigeria was passing through an important period in its history and stressed the value of experienced leaders who understood the weight of public responsibility.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to give Shettima wisdom, strength and good health to serve the country.
He also wished the Vice President greater fulfilment and more opportunities to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.
“Thank you for your friendship, your counsel, your encouragement and, most importantly, the example you continue to set,” Alfa said.
Shettima, who turns 60 on September 2, has asked friends, associates and well-wishers to keep celebrations low-key and refrain from organising public birthday events. He urged Nigerians to use the occasion instead to pray for the country, national unity, security and the success of the government’s economic reforms.
Dr. Mahmoud Bala Alfa is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Vibranium Group.