Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, on Saturday launched his autobiography, Airman to Politics: My Life, as part of activities marking his 80th birthday celebration held at the Tamarald Event Centre, Jos.

The event attracted political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, diplomats, senior military officers and business executives, who came to celebrate the retired Air Commodore’s contributions to Plateau State and Nigeria.

Among the dignitaries present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, serving and former governors, ministers, lawmakers and other distinguished guests.

Vice President Shettima described Senator Jang as an elder statesman whose life has been defined by courage, sacrifice, compassion and an unwavering commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence.

He challenged political, traditional and community leaders in Plateau State to work together in promoting lasting peace, saying the state has enormous potential to become one of Nigeria’s most prosperous states if peace is sustained.

“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 said.

The Vice President also urged young Nigerians to reject hatred and embrace forgiveness, while announcing the appointment of Hon. Yakubu David Jang as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan described the autobiography as more than a personal memoir, saying it preserves important lessons on leadership, patriotism and public service for future generations.

Recalling their years of working together, Jonathan praised Jang for his courage and determination, especially during his tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

“Senator Jang is positively stubborn whenever he believes a decision is in the best interest of Plateau people,” Jonathan said.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang paid glowing tribute to the former governor, describing him as a father, mentor and political role model whose leadership greatly influenced his own philosophy of governance.

He said his admiration for Jang started long before becoming governor and revealed that a private discussion with the elder statesman in 2016 changed his approach to leadership and public service.

“This is not only because of the role you played in my emergence as Governor of Plateau State, but because you became a role model for me,” Mutfwang said.

The governor disclosed that his administration has deliberately continued several strategic projects initiated during Jang’s administration because they remain critical to Plateau State’s development.

National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described Senator Jang as a leader whose integrity, patriotism and faith transcend political differences.

“Leadership should always be celebrated beyond party affiliations,” Yilwatda said as he prayed for God’s continued strength and wisdom upon the former governor.

Speaking during the unveiling of the autobiography, Senator Jang said he wrote the book after repeated encouragement from his son, Hon. Yakubu Jang, to preserve an accurate account of his life and public service.

“The book was never intended to attack critics or settle political scores. It seeks to present the truth behind many major decisions taken during my years in office,” Jang said.

Reflecting on his journey at 80, the former governor urged young Nigerians to build lives founded on character, faith and service, stressing that political office, wealth and fame are temporary.

“What truly endures is character, faith, service to humanity and a relationship with God,” he added.

Earlier, renowned journalist and broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye, who reviewed the autobiography, described it as “a man’s argument with history,” saying it provides readers with valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, peacebuilding and Nigeria’s political evolution.