By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has paid tribute to Vice President Kashim Shettima on his birthday, praising his journey through banking, public service and national politics as well as his support for the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

AANI said it was mindful of Shettima's preference for a quiet observance of his birthday and his desire that public attention should remain focused on the task of nation-building.

However, the association said it could not allow the day to pass without recognising his contributions and expressing appreciation for his relationship with the NIPSS alumni community.

“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,” AANI President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, said.

“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.”

Okafor described Shettima's career, from the banking profession to his service as Governor of Borno State, Senator and now Vice President, as one marked by courage, resilience and commitment to Nigeria.

The AANI President said the association's appreciation went beyond the office occupied by the Vice President, noting his accessibility, receptiveness to engagement and recognition of the knowledge and experience within the NIPSS alumni community.

“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,” he said.

The association also commended Shettima for his support for NIPSS Kuru and his appreciation of the institute's role in policy research, strategic thinking and leadership development.

“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,” Okafor said.

“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.”

AANI said Shettima's openness to engaging with the association on issues of national importance had strengthened its belief that the NIPSS family could remain a strategic partner in efforts to build a more secure, prosperous and united Nigeria.

“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.

He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the Vice President wisdom, strength, sound health and divine guidance as he continues to discharge his responsibilities in service to Nigeria.

“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,” the AANI President added.