Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to embrace a renewed commitment to peace, stressing that building a united and stable nation requires the combined efforts of government, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.
Shettima made the appeal in Jos during the 80th birthday celebration of former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, and the unveiling of his autobiography.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, he conveyed the President’s goodwill and congratulatory message to the former governor, describing peace as the foundation upon which national development depends.
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He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to foster a secure environment where businesses can flourish and Nigerians are free to live and work in any part of the country without fear.
Shettima also urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious profiling, warning against blaming entire communities for the actions of criminals.
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According to him, criminality should never be linked to ethnicity, religion or place of origin, insisting that those who commit crimes act on their own and not on behalf of any group.
He added that collective blame only deepens division and weakens national unity.
Describing Plateau as a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity, Shettima said the state’s journey through conflict and recovery mirrors the country’s broader experience.
He commended residents for preserving the spirit of peaceful coexistence despite years of insecurity that disrupted farming and economic activities.
During the ceremony, Shettima announced the appointment of Yakubu Jang, son of the former governor, as Senior Special Assistant to the President.
He also paid tribute to Jang’s years of public service as a military officer, governor and senator, saying a person’s true legacy is measured by the lives they positively influence rather than the offices they occupy.
Several prominent figures also honoured the elder statesman.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Jang’s autobiography as an account of integrity and service that offers valuable lessons for future generations of leaders.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised Jang for his enduring contributions to the state’s development, while Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia commended his leadership during his time as the state’s military administrator.
APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, also applauded Jang’s developmental strides and thanked him for his service to Plateau State and Nigeria.
Channels Television political correspondent Seun Okinbaloye reviewed the autobiography, describing it as a thoughtful reflection on leadership, public service and democratic governance.
Other goodwill messages came from the Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Muazu Mohammadu II, on behalf of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs; Rev. Dr Stephen Baba Panya for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.
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Responding, Jang thanked Shettima and the guests for celebrating with him.
He said the greatest reward of his career was not the positions he held but the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
