By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
Nigeria’s political elite converged on Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday to celebrate the 80th birthday of elder statesman and former Plateau Governor, *Senator Jonah David Jang*, with the public presentation of his autobiography, *”Airman to Politics: My Life.”*
The event drew Vice President *Sen. Kashim Shettima*, former President *Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan*, Plateau State Governor *Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang*, APC National Chairman *Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda*, Benue Governor *Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia*, serving and former governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, senior military officers, religious leaders and other dignitaries from across party lines.
The ceremony honored Jang’s decades of service in the military, politics and public office, and reflected on his contributions to Plateau State and Nigeria.
Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, *Sen. (Dr) Jonah David Jang, CON*,in his remarks, Jang said the book was written at the urging of his son, *Hon. Yakubu Jang*, to document his life’s journey for posterity and to correct misconceptions that have trailed his years in public service. “I was content to leave my life story to history. But my son insisted that important aspects should not be lost,” he stated. He clarified that the book was not intended to settle scores, but to present facts in their proper context and provide an honest account of his experiences.Jang expressed gratitude to God, to the Plateau State Government under *Gov. Caleb Mutfwang*, and to Vice President *Sen. Kashim Shettima* for honoring the occasion. He also paid tribute to his wife for her steadfast support, and to former Presidents *Ibrahim Babangida*, *Olusegun Obasanjo*, and *Goodluck Jonathan* for the opportunities they gave him. He recalled that President Jonathan approved a Grade A Minister for Plateau, the refund of funds spent on federal roads, and the establishment of *Operation Rainbow* to address security challenges in the state.Reflecting on eight decades of life, Jang said power, wealth and fame are transient, and that what endures is “character, faith, service to humanity, and our relationship with God.” He dedicated the autobiography to God as a testimony to divine faithfulness, and charged young Nigerians to prioritize their relationship with Christ. “Do not wait until tomorrow. Today is the time to make peace with God. Our ultimate goal should be to spend eternity with Christ. That is the greatest achievement any human being can attain,” he said.
Vice President Shettima described Senator Jang as a distinguished elder statesman whose life exemplifies courage, sacrifice, compassion and commitment to national unity.
He said Jang’s leadership proved that peace is achieved through dialogue, reconciliation and purposeful governance, not bitterness.
“Plateau has everything it takes to become a model of national cohesion and prosperity. With visionary leadership, innovation and unity, the future is bright,” Shettima stated.
He urged young Nigerians to reject inherited grievances and embrace peaceful coexistence, adding that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength.
The Vice President also announced the appointment of *Hon. Yakubu David Jang*, son of the celebrant, as *Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu*, describing it as recognition of competence and public service.
Former President Jonathan hailed the autobiography as more than a memoir, calling it an important historical document that captures the convictions that shaped Jang’s public life.
He recalled working with Jang when he chaired the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, describing him as dependable and courageous.
“Senator Jang is positively stubborn whenever he believes a decision is in the best interest of Plateau people,” Jonathan said, noting that such conviction reflected principled leadership.
He commended Jang for standing firm during turbulent periods and for consistently advocating justice, equity and unity.
Governor Mutfwang paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, describing him as a father, mentor and role model. He said a private leadership discussion with Jang in 2016 profoundly shaped his approach to governance.
“I have looked for opportunities to show you my honour, and today God has given me the privilege to fulfil a pledge I made to God that as long as I live, I will honour you,” the Governor said.
Mutfwang credited Jang with laying enduring foundations for Plateau through infrastructure, governance reforms and institution building. He cited the New Government House at Little Rayfield as a symbol of visionary leadership, and disclosed that his administration is completing several strategic projects initiated by Jang.
He also called for national recognition of Jang and the late *Chief Solomon Daushep Lar* for their roles in NADECO and Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda described Jang as a towering figure of integrity, deep faith and patriotism.
“Leadership should be celebrated beyond party affiliations he puts plateau and people first he’s a unifier and a bridge building he govern plateau very well with integrity and brought glory to the state,” he said, praying for God’s continued blessings upon the elder statesman.
The Benue state governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia appreciates the Legacy Senator Jonah Jang brought to Benue state, he left a landmark as the first governor to build double road in Benue state, the people of Benue state remain forever grateful to him for bringing development to Benue, he said Jang is truly an elder state man.
Senator Jang Setting the Record Straight in his remarks, Senator Jang thanked God for life and thanked Governor Mutfwang and the people of Plateau for the celebration. He said the book was written at the urging of his son, Hon. Yakubu Jang, to preserve an accurate account of his life and service.
“It was never intended to attack critics or settle scores. It seeks to present the truth behind major decisions and correct misconceptions,” he said.
Jang acknowledged former Presidents Ibrahim Babangida, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan for their roles in his career. He particularly thanked Jonathan for appointing a Grade A minister from Plateau, approving refunds for federal roads, and authorizing *Operation Rainbow*.
“Political office, wealth and fame are temporary. What truly endures is character, faith, service to humanity and a relationship with God,” he told young Nigerians.
*“A Man’s Argument With History”*
Reviewer *Seun Okinbaloye* described the autobiography as “a man’s argument with history,” chronicling Jang’s journey from Du in Jos South to Air Force officer, Military Governor of Benue and old Gongola, two-term Governor of Plateau, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and Senator for Plateau North.
*A Life of Service*
Born in Du, Jos South LGA, Senator Jang enlisted in the Nigerian Air Force in 1965 and rose to Air Commodore before retiring in 1990.
He served as Military Governor of Benue, Military Administrator of old Gongola, Governor of Plateau 2007–2015, and Senator 2015–2019.
The event ended with the official unveiling of *Airman to Politics: My Life* and applause for the appointment of Hon. Yakubu Jang, capping a day dedicated to honoring one of Plateau’s most influential leaders.
