During the 80th birthday celebration and book launch of former Governor and Senator Jonah David Jang, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the leaders of Plateau State to unify behind the veteran politician to secure long-term stability in the region. Speaking at the event, which featured the release of Jang’s autobiography, From Airman to Politics: My Life, Shettima emphasized that the state’s potential for unity is greater than its internal divisions.
Shettima also outlined a vision for economic growth, promising federal support for Plateau’s agricultural sector. He suggested that the state should move beyond traditional staples like maize and millet, proposing instead that it pivot toward high-value crops such as grapes, apples, and flowers for export. To assist this transition, the Vice President pledged to donate 10,000 net houses from his factory in Abuja.
Reflecting on his personal history, Shettima noted that he purchased his first home in Jos, underscoring his deep affinity for the state. He invoked the words of Martin Luther King Jr., reminding the audience that they must choose between collective survival or mutual destruction through division. Urging reconciliation, Shettima described the former governor as a unifying father figure whose career in the military and public service stands as a model for the nation. He concluded by thanking Jang for his dedication to peace, courage, and his lifelong commitment to the Nigerian people.
