Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, paid glowing tributes to former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, during the public presentation of his autobiography, “Airman to Politics: My Life,” held as part of activities marking his 80th birthday celebration in Jos.
The event attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including political leaders from across party lines, traditional rulers, clergy, diplomats, captains of industry, and eminent Nigerians, who gathered to celebrate Senator Jang’s remarkable journey in military service, politics, and public life, while reflecting on his enduring contributions to Plateau State, the Middle Belt, and Nigeria as a whole.
Vice President Kashim Shettima described Senator Jang as a leader whose life has been defined by sacrifice, courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace and national unity.
He commended the former governor for consistently choosing reconciliation over conflict and urged the younger generation to reject inherited grievances in favour of forgiveness, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
The Vice President called on Plateau’s political, traditional, and community leaders to unite in building lasting peace and unlocking the state’s vast agricultural, tourism, and economic potential.
“I challenge the elites of Plateau, all seated here, to rally together and bring enduring peace to the state. Plateau possesses enormous opportunities. With the right mix of leadership, innovation, and unity, Plateau can become a model of national cohesion and prosperity,” he stated.
Senator Shettima further emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division, noting the rich historical and cultural bonds shared by the country’s various ethnic nationalities.
In a significant gesture, the Vice President announced the appointment of Hon. Yakubu David Jang as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a recognition of competence and service.
In his address, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan described the occasion as a celebration of a life dedicated to faith, service, leadership, and sacrifice.
He noted that Senator Jang’s autobiography goes beyond a personal memoir, serving as an important contribution to Nigeria’s political history by documenting the experiences, convictions, and values that shaped one of the nation’s respected public servants.
Jonathan recalled working closely with Senator Jang during his administration and described him as a dependable ally who remained committed to the development of Plateau State and the unity of Nigeria despite numerous national challenges.
“Senator Jang is positively stubborn whenever he believes a decision is in the best interest of Plateau people,” Jonathan remarked, describing the attribute as evidence of principled and courageous leadership.
Paying tribute to his predecessor, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang described Senator Jang as a father, mentor, and exemplary statesman whose leadership significantly influenced his own political journey.
The Governor revealed that long before he ventured into politics, Senator Jang had become a model of principled leadership for him, adding that a private leadership conversation with the elder statesman in 2016 helped shape his philosophy of governance.
Governor Mutfwang praised Senator Jang’s enduring legacy in Plateau State, particularly the construction of the New Government House in Little Rayfield, which he described as one of the finest government complexes in Nigeria.