Jang at 80: Shettima, Jonathan, Mutfwang celebrate legacy of faith, service

Kashim Shettima, vice president of Nigeria on Saturday led eminent Nigerians in celebrating Jonah David Jang, a former Plateau State Governor and Senator as he marked his 80th birthday and unveiled his autobiography, ‘From Airman to Politics: My Life,’ describing him as “a sentinel of our history” whose life exemplifies faith, service, sacrifice and national unity.

The event, held in Jos, attracted former President Goodluck Jonathan, Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State governor; Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue State; Zach Gundu, a professor and vice chancellor, University of Mkar; serving and former public office holders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, family members and associates who paid glowing tributes to Jang’s contributions to the military, public service and Nigeria’s democracy.

In his keynote address, Shettima said Jang’s eight decades of life and service had left an enduring legacy, noting that true leadership is measured not by wealth or political office but by the impact made on humanity.

“Life is measured by the difference we make among our people. Wealth passes from one hand to another. Applause is carried away by the wind. What endures is what we leave behind in human lives,” he said.

The Vice President described Jang as a father figure whose influence extends beyond politics, saying his life had become an integral part of Nigeria’s history.

“Baba Jang is a father to all of us. Beyond titles, beyond political platforms, beyond the offices he occupied, he is our father. Those who spend their lives in public service often risk losing sight of their own history. Today, we pause to celebrate a man whose life has become part of the history of this nation,” Shettima said.

He also described Plateau State as “Nigeria in miniature,” saying its diversity reflected the country’s aspirations and challenges. According to him, whatever happens in Plateau has implications for the entire federation because the state embodies the Nigerian experience in many respects.

Shettima urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions, stressing that criminality should never be associated with any tribe or faith. “No community flourishes in isolation. Prosperity cannot survive wildfires of violence… Crime has no tribe. Violence has no religion. Murder carries no mandate from any community,” he declared, adding that “a people at peace represent the highest achievement of any government because peace is the fertile soil from which every other blessing grows.”

The Vice President further praised Plateau’s strategic importance to national security, noting that the state hosts key national institutions, including the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Headquarters of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation Enduring Peace, the Police Staff College, the National Veterinary Research Institute and the National Centre for Remote Sensing.

Addressing young Nigerians, Shettima urged them to remain close to elder statesmen like Jang and learn from their experiences. He said forgiveness, patience and dialogue remained indispensable virtues in nation-building. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan described the autobiography as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical record, saying leaders owe future generations a duty to document their experiences and preserve the nation’s history.

Jonathan, who worked closely with Jang during his tenure as President, described the former governor as “an indefatigable partner” committed to Plateau State’s development and Nigeria’s unity.

“Leadership is not defined by titles alone; it is defined by commitment, discipline and the willingness to serve others,” he said.

He added that From Airman to Politics: My Life was more than a personal memoir, describing it as “a valuable contribution to our national history” that demonstrates that leadership requires courage, patience, resilience and faith.

Jonathan also paid tribute to Jang’s wife, Talatu, for her unwavering support throughout his years in public service.

In his remarks, Jang attributed his longevity and accomplishments entirely to God’s grace, saying reaching the age of 80 was a privilege for which he remained deeply grateful.

He explained that writing an autobiography had never been his intention until his son, Yakubu, persistently encouraged him to preserve his life experiences for posterity.

The former governor said the book was written to present an honest account of his journey, explain the circumstances surrounding many of his decisions in public office and leave valuable lessons for younger generations.

“This book is not written to settle scores or attack anyone. Rather, it is an honest effort to place events in their proper context, explain the circumstances under which certain decisions were taken, and present the facts as I experienced them,” Jang said.

He expressed gratitude to former military president Ibrahim Babangida for appointing him Military governor of the old Benue and Gongola states, former President Olusegun Obasanjo for supporting his democratic mandate, and former President Jonathan for approving Operation Rainbow and other interventions that strengthened Plateau State during his administration.

Governor Mutfwang in his speech described Jang as a mentor, father figure and role model who inspired him to embrace politics despite his initial reluctance.

He said Jang believed in him long before he occupied high political office and had continued to provide guidance on governance.

Mutfwang praised Jang’s enduring contributions to Plateau State, particularly the construction of the New Government House at Little Rayfield, which he described as one of the finest government houses in Nigeria.

He also urged the Federal Government to properly recognise the contributions of Jang and the late Chief Solomon Lar to Nigeria’s democratic struggle, saying both men made enormous sacrifices for the restoration of democracy.

The governor called on younger Nigerians to respect and honour elder statesmen despite their imperfections, stressing that leaders deserved recognition for their sacrifices and service.

He prayed for Jang’s continued good health and wisdom as guests joined him in celebrating the former governor’s life of faith, military service, political leadership and enduring legacy.