Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a renewed national commitment to peace, stressing that security and stability require the collective efforts of government, traditional leaders, communities and citizens.
Shettima made the call on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, during the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of the autobiography of former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, the Vice President reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a country where security promotes economic opportunities and every Nigerian can live freely in any part of the nation.
He urged Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling, religious intolerance, misinformation and revenge attacks, describing them as obstacles to building a united and prosperous country.
According to Shettima, sustainable development cannot thrive where fear, insecurity and mistrust dominate society.
“A people at peace is the highest achievement of any government, because peace is the soil in which every other blessing grows,” he said.
The Vice President noted that communities across Nigeria depend on one another for economic growth and security, stressing that no state or community can prosper in isolation.
He described Plateau State as “Nigeria in miniature,” saying the state’s diversity, challenges and recovery efforts represent the broader Nigerian experience.
“Plateau State is Nigeria in miniature. Its dreams are the dreams of Nigeria. Its struggles are the struggles of Nigeria. Its recovery is the recovery of Nigeria,” he said.
Shettima warned against blaming entire communities for the actions of individuals involved in criminal activities, saying such generalisations deepen divisions and create further tension.
“No criminal represents his origin, his ethnic group, his religion, his language, his ancestry, his village or the innocent people who bear his surname. Crime has no tribe. Violence has no religion,” he stated.
He said criminals achieve greater harm when their actions lead to distrust and hostility among innocent people.
The Vice President acknowledged the security challenges Plateau State has faced over the years, including attacks that disrupted farming, businesses and community relationships.
However, he praised residents for maintaining their commitment to peaceful coexistence despite the difficulties, describing their resilience as a form of national service.
Shettima assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen security efforts but added that citizens must also play their role by rejecting rumours, inflammatory statements and acts of retaliation.
The Vice President described Senator Jonah Jang as a father figure whose contributions extended beyond Plateau State, his community and political affiliations.
He said the true measure of public service was not wealth, power or recognition but the positive impact made on people’s lives.
“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 among our people,” Shettima said.
He commended Jang for his years of service as a military officer, governor and senator, as well as his continued commitment to peace and development in Plateau State.
At the event, Shettima announced President Tinubu’s appointment of Yakubu Jang, son of the former governor, as a Senior Special Assistant to the President.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described the autobiography as a reflection of Jang’s leadership journey, values and contributions to national development.
Jonathan said the book highlights lessons on integrity, patience and peaceful leadership for younger generations.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised Jang’s sacrifices and leadership qualities, describing the event as an opportunity to celebrate his contributions as a former military administrator, governor and elder statesman.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia also commended Jang’s leadership during his time as military administrator of Benue State, describing his service as an inspiration to future leaders.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, praised Jang’s role in laying foundations for Plateau State’s development.
In his remarks, Jang said his years in public service were guided by values inherited from his parents, adding that his greatest satisfaction came from the lives he had positively impacted rather than the positions he occupied.
The autobiography was reviewed by Channels Television’s politics anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, who said the book highlights the importance of integrity, peaceful coexistence and responsible leadership in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Muaza Mohammadu II, also offered prayers for the former governor’s continued health, wisdom and long life.
