Senator(DR) Jonah  David Jang, CON Speaks At The Presentation  Of His Autobiography On The Occasion Of His 80th  Birthday 

Yakubu Busari 

The  Former Governor Jonah David Jang  has expressed satisfaction with  his journey in life ,from Military to civilian Governor of Plateau State  and the impact in humanity .

He give all glory, honour and praise to Almighty God for the privilege of standing before you today to commemorate my 80th birthday and to present my autobiography. Reaching this milestone is by God’s grace alone. 

I am deeply humbled by your presence and sincerely thank every one of you for taking the time to share this memorable occasion with me.My heartfelt appreciation goes to His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the Government, and the good people of Plateau State for organising this celebration in my honour.

 I consider this gesture a great privilege, and I am profoundly grateful for the kindness, generosity, and respect you have shown me. May God continue to bless Plateau State and grant wisdom to its leaders as they serve our people.

I am very grateful to His Excellency, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who, despite his very busy schedule and the exigencies of office, has taken the time to honour and celebrate with me. 

For the Vice President, coming to Plateau State is like coming home, and we are delighted to have him amongst us today. I know Senator Kashim Shettima to be an avid reader, so I won’t be surprised that in a few days from today, he will have finished reading this voluminous book.To my family, 

I owe a debt of gratitude that words can hardly express. Throughout the different seasons of my life, times of joy, uncertainty, triumph, and challenge, you have stood by me with unwavering love and support.Permit me to pay special tribute to my beloved wife.

 You have been my closest companion, my confidant, my source of strength and encouragement. Whatever achievements in my life have been made possible because God blessed me with a faithful partner who stood beside me through every circumstance. Thank you for your sacrifices, your patience, your prayers, and your enduring love.

Many people have asked me why I decided to write this book. To be honest, writing an autobiography was never my intention. I was content to leave my life story to history and to those who know me. However, my son, Yakubu, persistently encouraged me not to allow important aspects of my life’s journey to be lost. 

His insistence eventually convinced me that perhaps it was time to document my experiences for posterity and for the younger generation to learn from. 

Today, I thank him for refusing to let the idea die.This book, therefore, is my attempt to leave behind a truthful account of my journey so that future generations, especially my children, grandchildren, and young Nigerians, may understand where I came from, the values that guided me, and the lessons that shaped my life.Another important reason for writing this autobiography is that, over the years, many assumptions have been made about me, my decisions, and my actions. Some have been based on incomplete information, while others have unfortunately created misconceptions and controversies that continue even while I am still alive.

 Like many who have served in public office, I have often found myself misunderstood.

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.

 I believe history is best served when those who participated in it tell their stories truthfully and with humility.I owe a special debt of gratitude to His Excellency, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR. He saw potential in me and entrusted me with the great responsibility of serving as the Military Governor of Benue and Gongola States. 

That confidence changed the course of my public service, and I remain sincerely grateful for the opportunity he gave me to serve our nation. Although my military career ended earlier than I had anticipated, I have never allowed that experience to diminish my appreciation for the trust he placed in me.

 I remain thankful for the privilege of service.I also wish to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, whose support enabled me to actualise the mandate that the people had freely given me. 

I remain grateful for his confidence and encouragement at a significant period in my public life.I must not forget to mention and appreciate His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, during whose tenure as President, I served out my two terms as Governor of Plateau State. 

President Jonathan appointed a Grade A Minister from Plateau State, approved the refund of funds spent on the construction of Federal roads, and, most importantly, approved the establishment of Operation Rainbow, the State Security Outfit to help tackle the security challenge in the state.

As I look back over these eighty years, I have come to appreciate one enduring truth: positions come and go; power is temporary; fame fades; wealth cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. 

What remains is character, faith, service to humanity, and our relationship with God.This autobiography is therefore more than a record of events. It is a testimony to God’s faithfulness throughout my life’s journey.

 He preserved me through dangers seen and unseen. He guided me through difficult decisions, sustained me during seasons of misunderstanding, lifted me after disappointments, and granted me the strength, wisdom, and insight to complete this book.

Today, I humbly dedicate this autobiography to Almighty God, to whom belongs all the glory.The Holy Scripture in Ecclesiastes 7:8 says that the beginning of a matter is important, but its end is even more important. Looking back, I can truly say that while the beginning of my journey had its own significance, I rejoice even more in how God has brought me to this stage of my life. My greatest joy is not the offices I occupied, the honours I received, or the accomplishments recorded in these pages. 

My greatest joy is that I am inching toward the end of this journey with Christ in my life.If there is one message I would like this gathering, and especially the younger generation, to remember from my life, it is this: embrace Christ while you still have the opportunity. Do not wait until tomorrow. Do not become so consumed by the attractions of this world, its pleasures, ambitions, and achievements, that you forget the One who gives life.

Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Today, indeed, this very moment, is the time to make peace with God.Life is far greater than worldly success, political office, wealth, or recognition. All these things will one day pass away. Our ultimate goal should be to spend eternity with Christ. 

That is the greatest achievement any human being can ever attain.On this note, I want to thank you all for honouring me with your presence, friendship, prayers, and love. May Almighty God richly bless each one of you, bless Plateau State, bless our great nation, Nigeria, and grant us all the grace to finish our race well.