Sixty-one years old today is not only a vitally proud moment for Abu Shaw personally but the new age is also an impenetrable fortress that continues to protect Abu Shaw as he fervently hopes for many more glorious additional years. Birthdays must be celebrated unashamedly because not everyone has the golden opportunity to live beyond half a century. Sadly, many passed away in their teenage years while others kicked the bucket even from an embryonic age. (Photo: Abu Shaw, right, with King Adebayor in Munich on November 25, 2023).

It is therefore a blessing to celebrate old age with appreciation and a thank you note. Many brilliant minds have unfortunately died very early in their lives, thereby preventing them from achieving their full potential. And most significantly preventing them from contributing to national and international development. With this enormous privilege to enjoy another natal day today, 61 years, wow! I am more than proud to share my birthday news to you my good people and with my enemies. (Photo: Abu Shaw in the GN TV studio in London).

As I proudly enjoy this milestone with my family and friends, I admonish others to be proud of their age and stop hiding their priceless age whenever they celebrate their natal days. It shocks me when I see some people hiding their ages whenever they observe their birthdays. I cannot understand why people are so ashamed to show how old they are. We have to be proud of it and always thank God and our African ancestors for these blessings. There are many individuals who are guilty of this ‘hide-age-syndrome’. (Photo: Abu Shaw posed with colleague broadcaster).

I seldom wish people, especially adults who shamefully hide their true ages, a happy birthday. I can however understand why other people do not show their true ages when celebrating birthdays. In the Diaspora for instance, where survival is for the fittest, many people do not use their real names and real dates of births just to make ends meet overseas. But for those who are using their correct names and dates of births, please be proud of mentioning your ages when celebrating your birthdays. Happy birthday to myself as I enjoy my golden age of 61 years! I eagerly await as my pension age beckons.