Governor Kashim Shettima

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima  is 49 years old tomorrow.

But he is not in celebratory mood as he has banned all planned congratulatory newspaper adverts  in his honour, asking instead people use the day to remember  victims of the Boko Haram insurgency and his late deputy, Zanna Mustapha.

He also  urged people to support  private organizations in Abuja and Maiduguri, currently seeking funds to  help multitudes of internally displaced persons affected by insurgency in Borno and other parts of the North-east.

Shettima conveyed his decision in  a statement by his Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau.

The statement appealed to his political appointees and associates, foreign and local contractors, kinsmen and former colleagues in the banking sector, not to place any advertisement in the newspapers and other media outfits to congratulate him.

The governor said he decided to make the statement on time because he is aware of the fact that they would want to place congratulatory messages for him. He also sought the understanding of media houses that may have anticipated revenue from his 49th birthday, to please bear with him.

Shettima expressed profound appreciation to anyone, group or institution, especially those associated with the APC and Borno State government for their support. He urged all friends of the state to pray for peace to return so that his administration will succeed in its practical efforts to remodel Borno State for the benefit of its citizens.

According to the Daily Trust, the  governor had refused to celebrate  his  birthday  since becoming governor in 2011, maintaining that he would only celebrate birthday when peace is completely restored in all parts of Borno State with affected citizens fully rehabilitated and re-integrated into reconstructed communities.

The governor appealed to those willing to place adverts