Former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has commended the early days of Senator Jonah Jang in the military as demonstrating exemplary gallantry and discipline.

This comes as Jang also credited Babangida with shaping his public service career, saying the confidence reposed in him through an appointment as military governor of Benue and Gongola states changed the course of his life.

Speaking in Jos during the presentation of his autobiography as part of activities marking his 80th birthday, Jang said Babangida saw potential in him and entrusted him with leadership, over which he remains grateful despite the premature end of his military career.

He explained that his autobiography was written to preserve an accurate account of his life and public service, saying he was persuaded by his son, Yakubu, to document his experiences after years of resisting the idea.

Babangida, in a goodwill message on Jang’s 80th birthday celebration in Jos, said he was not surprised when the celebrant later embraced democratic politics and won the governorship, where he served two terms as governor of Plateau State.

“Your career stands as a testament to the ideal of public service, a virtue that seems increasingly rare in our contemporary politics,” the former ruler told Jang, even as he celebrated him as “a man of principle, resilience and faith.”

Noting that he witnessed Jang’s dedication firsthand as military president, Babangida said the governor was “among those officers who understood that the armed forces are the bedrock of national stability, and you carried that ethos into your civilian governance.”

Also, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Jang as a father figure whose influence extends beyond the Berom people, Plateau State, his religious faith and political affiliation.

Shettima said the worth of a life in public service should be measured by its impact on people rather than wealth, political authority, or public applause.

He added, “The secret of a life well lived is neither the fortune we gather nor the power we hold. Life is measured by the difference we make in our people. Wealth fades; office passes from one hand to another; applause is carried away by the wind. What endures is the good we leave behind in human lives.”

He used the occasion to announce President Tinubu’s appointment of Jang’s son, Yakubu Jang, as a Senior Special Assistant to the President.

According to Jang, the book seeks to place key events in their proper context, address misconceptions surrounding some of his decisions, and provide lessons for younger generations rather than settle scores with anyone.

Reflecting on his eight decades of life, Jang said political power, fame and wealth were temporary, while faith, character and service to humanity remained enduring. He dedicated the autobiography to God and urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace Christ and pursue eternal values above worldly success.