Dignitaries Honour Gombe Deputy Governor As He Unveils 5 Books At 70

Dignitaries from across Nigeria converged on Abuja as Gombe State deputy governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, marked his 70th birthday with the unveiling of five scholarly books.

The event, held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference and Events Centre, featured the presentation of five books: “A Sociology of Medical Practice, The Unseen Hand, The Destroying Strangers, A Man of Letters and Towards Enhanced Effectiveness in Organisations”.

In a statement by Jack A. Tasha, the senior special assistant to the Gombe State Governor on Media and Publicity, Deputy Governor’s Office, the speakers at the event described Jatau as a prolific scholar, a seasoned technocrat and a committed public servant.

Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the secretary to the state government (SSG), Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the deputy governor remains a key pillar of the administration, noting that his scholarly works contribute to policy development and human capital growth.

According to Njodi, Dr Jatau’s writings transcend politics, serving as enduring intellectual resources capable of shaping policy, inspiring research, and preserving societal experiences for future generations.

He added that the deputy governor’s academic depth hadelevated the state’s profile in knowledge production and human capital development.

The chairman of the occasion and former INEC chief, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the books reflect a lifetime of intellectual depth and service, while Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by Dr Mohammed Aminu Ghunuze, donated N20 million in support of the publications.

The book presenter, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, Chairman and CEO of AFDIN Group of Companies, also pledged N30 million, while Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo donated N2.5 million.

Chairman of ALGON in Gombe State, Barr. Sani Ahmadu Haruna announced N11 million on behalf of local government chairmen. Senator Anthony Siyako purchased copies worth N5 million, as did Hon. Ali Isa Jibulle Cham. Members of the State Executive Council purchased books worth N3 million, while staff of the Deputy Governor’s Office bought copies for the office library.

Additional support came from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd); Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University, Prof. Ahmed Yauta; the Sarkin Fulanin Gombe, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, who purchased copies worth N5 million for distribution to tertiary institutions; and several former and serving public officials.

In his remarks, Dr Jatau said he was motivated by societal challenges and a desire to contribute through ideas, urging collective responsibility in nation-building. He described his political career as unplanned and advised leaders to consider stepping aside at 70 to allow younger generations to take the helm.

Reflecting on his age, the Deputy Governor said he chose to celebrate his 70th birthday because of its biblical significance, urging Nigerian politicians to consider stepping aside at that age to allow younger generations to lead. He described his political career as accidental, explaining that he never contested elective office but was invited to serve as running mate after party primaries.

“Development is a collective responsibility,” Dr Jatau said, urging citizens to contribute to nation-building wherever they find themselves.