Nigeria, Sept. 2 -- Vice President Kashim Shettima has asked his friends, supporters, associates and well-wishers to shun gifts and lavish celebrations as he clocks 60, urging them instead to channel whatever resources they would have spent on him to charity and other worthy causes.

Mr Shettima made the appeal in a Facebook post on Tuesday night, ahead of his 60th birthday on Wednesday.

The Vice President said he had consistently asked his friends and supporters not to spend money on gifts or undertake any venture of material consequence in his honour on his birthdays.

He said he was even more resolute about the request as he turned 60, describing the milestone as an age that should inspire reflection, gratitude and greater commitment ...