Sen. Diket Plang Celebrates 60th Birthday, Honors Late Wife With Posthumous Book Presentation

By: Labaran Ahmed 

Distinguished Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Professor Diket Plang, has celebrated his 60th birthday in a grand three-in-one ceremony that also featured the posthumous presentation of a book initiated by his late wife, Professor Janet Plang, and the send-off of their daughter, Miss Nandes Deborah Plang, ahead of her marriage.

The colourful ceremony, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Langfield Leisure and Event Centre, Rayfield Road, Jos, attracted prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, serving and former senators, ministers, academics, religious leaders, family members and other distinguished personalities.

The occasion brought together three significant family milestones: Senator Plang's diamond jubilee, the celebration of his daughter's forthcoming marriage and the fulfilment of his late wife's intellectual dream through the public presentation of her book, Gender Gaps, Women's Studies and National Development: Bridging the Structural and Institutional Divide in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Senator Plang described the occasion as a day of gratitude, celebration and remembrance, expressing profound appreciation to God for granting him 60 years of life and the opportunity to witness the realisation of his late wife's academic ambition.

He said the public presentation of the book was particularly significant because it represented the fulfilment of a dream Professor Janet Plang passionately pursued before her demise.

The senator disclosed that his late wife was deeply committed to gender advocacy, women's empowerment and educational development, explaining that her passion for the subject inspired her to coordinate the publication with contributions from distinguished academics and public figures.

He recalled that the wives of senators had appointed her chairperson of their Subcommittee on Education, a responsibility through which she championed issues affecting women, girls and national development.

According to him, the publication brought together contributions from serving senators, university professors and leaders of the Women Association of Senators, who wrote different chapters addressing gender-related challenges and the role of women in national development.

Senator Plang particularly recalled his wife's determination to complete the project, explaining that even while receiving medical attention in London, she continued to monitor the progress of the manuscript, regularly requesting updates and encouraging contributors to complete their respective chapters.

He said that by the time she returned, the manuscript was ready for publication, but following her demise, the wives of senators visited him and provided financial assistance to ensure that the project was completed and made available to the public.

Expressing appreciation to the contributors and those who supported the publication, he specifically acknowledged the book reviewer, Professor Irene Agunloye, and other academics who encouraged and supported his late wife's scholarly journey.

Explaining why the event was deliberately described as a book presentation rather than a conventional book launch, Senator Plang said his primary objective was not fundraising but the fulfilment of his wife's aspiration to make her intellectual contribution accessible to Nigerians.

He stated that: "It is not about money. That's why I didn't say launching. I said present. We are presenting her book to the public. It is about the fulfilment of my wife's thought that the book should be in the public."

The senator expressed satisfaction that the publication would become part of Nigeria's academic heritage, contributing to discussions on gender equality, women's empowerment and national development.

He also spoke emotionally about celebrating his 60th birthday without his wife, observing that she would ordinarily have taken the leading role in organising the celebration.

He similarly reflected on their daughter's send-off, noting that his late wife would have been the principal organiser of the marriage-related activities.

Senator Plang expressed gratitude to the Senate President, his colleagues in the National Assembly, his Chief of Staff, the Clerk, Deputy Clerk and other National Assembly officials who travelled from Abuja to honour the family.

He also acknowledged the support of traditional rulers, including the Bongom of Jos, the Longa and the Emir of Wase, who sent his representative, alongside other royal fathers and distinguished guests.

Earlier, Reverend Titus Gukwat, Leading Reverend of COCIN Yantrailer, delivered a Christian exhortation from Philippians 4:4–7, under the theme, "Rejoice in the Lord Always."

He urged Christians to cultivate gratitude, contentment and unwavering faith in God, irrespective of life's challenges, warning that ingratitude and unhealthy competition could breed greed, jealousy and hatred in society.

The clergyman described Senator Plang as a committed Christian and generous supporter of the church, likening his contributions to the biblical account of Nehemiah.

He recalled that the senator initiated and supported the remodelling and expansion of the church, mobilising personal resources, friends and fellow senators towards the project.

Reverend Gukwat also commended Senator Plang's leadership journey, tracing his progress from secondary school leadership responsibilities to local government administration, state-level responsibilities and his current position in the National Assembly.

Acknowledging the personal challenges confronting the senator, particularly the loss of his wife, he encouraged him to remain steadfast in his faith.

He also prayed for Nandes Deborah as she prepares to establish her matrimonial home, asking God to grant her protection, wisdom, peace and blessings in her marriage.

Reviewing the posthumous publication, Professor Irene Agunloye described the book as a significant contribution to academic scholarship and policy discourse on gender equality and national development.

She disclosed that the publication contains 17 chapters written by 23 contributors, examining gender inequalities embedded in cultural traditions, institutional practices and policy frameworks, as well as their implications for Nigeria's development.

According to her, the book addresses several critical issues, including women's empowerment, access to education and healthcare, participation in governance, domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, substance abuse, policing, elderly care and inclusive education.

She emphasised that the publication would serve as a valuable reference material for academics, policymakers, development practitioners and civil society organisations working towards gender equality and sustainable national development.

The reviewer also acknowledged the scholarly contributions of the late Professor Janet Plang, describing her commitment to the project as evidence of her passion for advancing knowledge and promoting the rights and opportunities of women.

Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bernard Doro, congratulated the Plang family for successfully completing the intellectual project initiated by the late professor.

He described the publication as an enduring legacy that would enrich academic knowledge and encourage gender inclusiveness in Nigeria.

The minister also announced a commitment to purchase copies of the book worth ₦1 million on behalf of the APC National Chairman.

In his goodwill message, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Piyo, congratulated Senator Plang on attaining 60 years, describing his journey through public service as remarkable.

She recalled his previous positions as councillor, local government chairman, member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, political adviser and now senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District.

The deputy governor also paid tribute to the late Professor Janet Plang, describing her intellectual contributions and commitment to the education and advancement of the girl child as an enduring source of inspiration.

She commended the senator for ensuring that his late wife's work was completed and presented to the public, noting the importance of preserving the contributions of women who have distinguished themselves in scholarship and public service.

Other prominent personalities at the ceremony included former Plateau State Governor and Senator, Joshua Dariye; former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; serving and former senators, ministers, traditional rulers, academics, clergy and other dignitaries.

The event climaxed with the cutting of Senator Plang's 60th birthday cake, the posthumous presentation of his late wife's book and the ceremonial send-off of their daughter, Miss Nandes Deborah Plang, ahead of her marriage.