Former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang has told Nigeria’s political class that power is temporary and that only character, faith and service to humanity truly endure, speaking at the public presentation of his autobiography in Jos to mark his 80th birthday.

Reflecting on eight decades of life including military service and politics, Jang said positions come and go and wealth cannot satisfy the deepest human longings, urging politicians to focus on leaving legacies of integrity rather than becoming consumed by the pursuit of office. He encouraged young Nigerians to embrace their faith while urging them not to see worldly success as the ultimate measure of fulfilment.

Jang said he had initially resisted writing his autobiography until his son convinced him to document his experiences, explaining that the book was meant to correct misconceptions surrounding decisions he made in office rather than to settle scores, offering his own account of the circumstances behind them. He thanked former military president Ibrahim Babangida for appointing him military governor of Benue and Gongola states early in his career, describing the opportunity as formative for his path in public service.