Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, sent warm birthday wishes to Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima as she marked her 50th birthday today. The message lauded Shettima’s selfless humanitarian work, her role as a supportive partner to the Vice President, and her advocacy for vulnerable communities.
Milestone Moment of Grace
Born on July 22, 1975, in Kano State, Hajiya Nana Shettima has served Nigeria as Second Lady since May 2023. Previously, she was the First Lady of Borno State (2011–2019) and is the Founder and CEO of the SWOT Foundation—Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya Foundation—through which she promotes educational access, women empowerment, and humanitarian support programs .
In her birthday message, Senator Tinubu described Nana Shettima as:
“A woman of grace, commitment, and selfless service… working alongside you has been a joy and a perfect partnership.”
She extended prayers for continued peace, health, joy, and fulfillment in her personal and public life .
A Legacy of Service
Hajiya Nana Shettima stands out for her leadership in the following areas:
- Humanitarian Impact: Strengthening vulnerable communities through the SWOT Foundation, which offers support in education, healthcare, and small-business grants.
- Women Empowerment: Collaborating with the First Lady on the Renewed Hope Initiative, distributing grants and opportunities to women across Nigeria, including a recent N50 million presentation to female petty traders in Adamawa State.
- Compassionate Service: Known for her impactful visits to IDP camps in Borno and her support for widows and grieving families following national crises.
Qualities Honored on Her Birthday
Senator Tinubu highlighted Nana Shettima’s unwavering dedication to family and service:
“Your life has been one of service, dedication and commitment to the wellbeing of your family and the upliftment of not only your beloved Borno State, but Nigeria as a whole.”
Their longstanding professional bond, spanning roles in Lagos State governance and national initiatives, was acknowledged as both harmonious and complementary in leadership.
Significance of the Celebration
- Humanitarian Leadership: Commemorating Shettima’s contributions toward alleviating suffering and supporting education, health, and entrepreneurship.
- Institutional Solidarity: Demonstrating a strong collaborative relationship between the First and Second Ladies in advancing social welfare across Nigeria.
- Role Model: At 50, Nana Shettima embodies resilience, service, and women’s leadership—especially significant in a nation with evolving gender dynamics in public life.
Looking Forward
The milestone birthday offers an opportunity to reflect on Hajiya Nana Shettima’s ongoing impact as a compassionate leader. The First Lady’s tribute reinforces her role as a beacon of service and unity—qualities that continue to resonate across communities nationwide.
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