President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Yakubu Jang, the son of former Plateau State Governor and ex-senator, Jonah David Jang, as a Senior Special Assistant in the Office of the President, in a move announced before a distinguished gathering of political leaders during the elder statesman’s 80th birthday celebration in Jos.
The announcement, made on Saturday, came during the public presentation of Senator Jonah Jang’s autobiography and the activities organised to mark his 80th birthday in Plateau State. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the event, delivered the President’s goodwill message before unveiling the appointment to an audience that included some of Nigeria’s most influential political and public figures.
The unexpected declaration immediately became one of the defining moments of the ceremony, drawing loud applause from guests gathered at the venue. Many attendees rose from their seats to congratulate members of the Jang family as news of the appointment spread across the hall.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima formally announced the appointment.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Yakubu Jang as Senior Special Assistant in the Office of the President,” he said.
Although the Vice President did not specify the exact department or portfolio Yakubu Jang would oversee, he explained that the appointment reflected President Tinubu’s confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development through public service.
The event, held in Jos, brought together an impressive array of dignitaries from different political backgrounds and regions of the country, underscoring the national significance of Senator Jang’s milestone birthday and his years of public service.
Among those present was former President Goodluck Jonathan, alongside serving governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, senior military officers, diplomats, religious leaders and other prominent personalities from across Nigeria.
The gathering served not only as a birthday celebration but also as an opportunity to honour Senator Jang’s long and eventful career in public life, which has spanned the military, politics and legislative service.
Political leaders from different parties used the occasion to pay tribute to the former Governor, acknowledging his contributions to Nigeria over several decades.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers described Jonah Jang as a respected statesman whose record of service has earned him recognition across political divides.
Several tributes highlighted his career as an officer in the Nigerian Air Force before he ventured into politics and later held a series of important public offices.
Those honouring him recalled his tenure as the Military Administrator of Benue State, his two terms as Governor of Plateau State and his subsequent service as Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District.
The ceremony also featured the official presentation of Senator Jang’s autobiography, From Soldiering to Politics: Here I Stand.
The book documents the former Governor’s experiences from his years in the military through his political journey, offering his personal account of leadership, governance and public service in Nigeria.
Guests at the launch described the publication as an important contribution to Nigeria’s political and historical literature, with many expressing interest in the lessons contained in the memoir.
In separate goodwill messages delivered during the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Goodluck Jonathan praised Senator Jang for what they described as a lifetime devoted to service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
They portrayed him as a patriot whose leadership has influenced generations of Nigerians and commended his role in promoting unity, peace and nation-building over the years.
The leaders also acknowledged his reputation as a bridge-builder and a public servant whose career has inspired many younger Nigerians seeking opportunities in leadership and governance.
Saturday’s celebration attracted family members, longtime political associates, friends, supporters and well-wishers from Plateau State and other parts of the country.
The turnout reflected the wide network of relationships Senator Jang has built during his decades in public office and reinforced his standing as one of Plateau State’s most recognisable political figures.
Observers at the ceremony noted that the gathering ranked among the largest assemblies of political leaders witnessed in Plateau State in recent years, with representatives from multiple sectors attending to celebrate the former Governor’s milestone.
The announcement of Yakubu Jang’s appointment added a fresh political dimension to the event, as discussions quickly shifted from the autobiography launch and birthday festivities to the President’s decision to bring the younger Jang into his administration.
While details of Yakubu Jang’s specific responsibilities are yet to be made public, his designation as Senior Special Assistant places him within the Presidency, where he is expected to support the administration in carrying out assigned national responsibilities.
The appointment also came against the backdrop of an occasion that celebrated the elder Jang’s enduring legacy, creating a symbolic link between decades of public service and the emergence of another member of the family into national leadership.
With political leaders from across party lines assembled in Jos to celebrate Senator Jonah Jang’s 80th birthday, the announcement by Vice President Shettima ensured the event concluded on a memorable note, combining recognition for the former Governor’s lifetime achievements with the unveiling of a new presidential appointment that immediately captured national attention.
As congratulatory messages continued to pour in for both Senator Jang and his son, the event reinforced the significance of the elder statesman’s contributions to Nigeria while marking the beginning of Yakubu Jang’s new role as a Senior Special Assistant in the Office of the President under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu..