The All Progressives Congress Youth Parliament, North-East, on Friday marked the 59th birthday of Vice President Kashim Shettima with a humanitarian outreach that freed 59 inmates from the Bauchi Correctional Facility and provided financial assistance to 59 orphans.
Speaking at the ceremony in Bauchi, the Parliament’s Chairman, Kabiru Kobi, said the gesture symbolised Shettima’s 59 years of life and dedication to the welfare of Nigerians.
“We paid millions of naira to settle fines and compensations for 59 inmates, enabling them to regain their freedom.
“We also provided financial support for 59 orphans and donated medicines for other inmates.
“This is our way of celebrating a leader who has remained committed to humanity,” Kobi said.
He described the VP as a visionary, patriotic leader whose humility and resilience continue to inspire young Nigerians, likening his influence in the North-East to that of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Also speaking, APC chieftain, Comrade Sabo Muhammad, urged the Youth Parliament to replicate the initiative across the state’s zones, while cautioning against attempts to undermine Shettima’s political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further called on residents to participate actively in the ongoing national voter registration exercise, describing it as the most effective way to enthrone leaders of their choice.
One of the freed inmates, Bashir Ahmad, who was earlier fined ₦30,000, expressed gratitude to the APC Youth Parliament and Shettima for “giving him a new lease of life.”
The event ended with special prayers for Shettima, wishing him long life, good health, and continued service to the nation.
The APC Youth Parliament’s gesture reflects a growing trend among political support groups in Nigeria to celebrate leaders through social impact initiatives rather than lavish ceremonies.
Prison decongestion remains a national priority, with thousands of inmates across the country still in detention for the inability to pay fines for minor offences.
The event also highlights a wider push within the APC to consolidate support for Shettima in the North-East ahead of the 2027 general elections, positioning him as a central figure in the party’s political calculations.
