By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
There was an overwhelming show of support on Saturday as the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, unveiled five books and marked his 70th birthday, with dignitaries from across the country converging on Abuja for the twin celebration.
The event, held on Saturday, at the Nigerian Air Force Conference and Events Centre, Abuja, attracted governors and deputy governors, technocrats, academics, business leaders, serving and retired security chiefs, politicians as well as religious and traditional leaders.
According to a statement by Mr Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity (Deputy Governor’s Office), the occasion drew a broad spectrum of national figures in recognition of Jatau’s contributions to public service, scholarship, and mentorship.
The books unveiled are A Sociology of Medical Practice, The Unseen Hand, The Destroying Strangers, A Man of Letters, and Towards Enhanced Effectiveness in Organisations.
Speakers described the author as a rare intellectual, prolific writer, seasoned technocrat, and a personality whose impact spans governance, academia, and community development.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, represented by the Secretary to Government of Gombe State, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described Dr. Jatau as a dependable pillar of the administration and a key supporter of the governor’s good governance agenda.
Prof. Njodi noted that the deputy governor’s scholarly works are enduring intellectual resources that shape policy, inspire research, and preserve societal experiences, adding that his contributions have elevated Gombe State’s profile in knowledge production and human capital development.
He also described the 70th birthday as a milestone worthy of celebration, lauding Dr. Jatau’s life of service, mentorship, and nation-building, and wishing him continued good health and impact.
Chairman of the occasion and former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega of Bayero University, Kano, said the twin events reflected a lifetime devoted to creative thinking and documentation for societal development.
He described Dr. Jatau as a “square peg in a square hole,” noting the breadth and depth of the themes covered in the books.
The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, represented by the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Ghunuze, said the event celebrated not only longevity but purposeful living.
He announced a ₦20 million donation in support of the books.
The book presenter, Chairman and CEO of AFDIN Group of Companies, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, represented at the event, congratulated the celebrant and announced a ₦30 million donation.
The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, also commended the intellectual value of the books and donated ₦2.5 million.
Goodwill messages and donations also came from representatives of the Plateau State Governor; Deputy Governors of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme; Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emefu; and Bauchi State.
The Chairman of ALGON in Gombe State, Barr. Sani Ahmadu Haruna, donated ₦11 million on behalf of local government chairmen.
Senator Anthony Siyako (Gombe South) purchased copies worth ₦5 million, while Hon. Ali Isa Jibulle Cham also bought copies for ₦5 million.
Other donations included ₦3 million each from Architect Yunusa Yakubu (represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru) and the Gombe State Executive Council, represented by the Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Umar Mohammed Zubairu.
Staff of the Deputy Governor’s Office purchased two sets for ₦1 million.
Additional support came from notable figures including former SGF Boss Mustapha; Commissioner of Finance Alhaji Mohammed Gambo Magaji; Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University, Prof. Ahmed Yauta, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.); Alfred John Attajiri, who donated ₦2 million; and the Sarkin Fulanin Gombe, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, who purchased copies worth ₦5 million for distribution to tertiary institutions in the state.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi, said the Nigerian Customs Service organised the birthday celebration in recognition of Dr. Jatau’s exemplary character and mentorship, noting that many officers were shaped by his discipline and professionalism.
Founder of North Eastern University, Gombe, Dr. Sani Jauro, said the Deputy Governor played a key role in facilitating the university’s Centre for African Research on the Discovery and Extraction of Natural Products, adding that the institution looks forward to further collaboration.
In his remarks, Dr. Jatau, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Deborah Daniel Jatau, and family members, said the books were inspired by societal developments and his desire to contribute solutions through intellectual engagement.
He acknowledged that writing attracts criticism but welcomed diverse opinions.
Explaining the motivation for A Sociology of Medical Practice, he stressed the centrality of health to human existence and attributed his achievements to divine grace. Reflecting on his 70th birthday, he said he rarely celebrated birthdays in the past but chose to mark the milestone because of its biblical significance, advising Nigerian politicians to consider stepping aside at 70 to allow younger generations to lead.
Dr. Jatau also described his political journey as accidental, noting that he had never contested an elective office before being invited to serve as running mate to Governor Inuwa Yahaya after the party primaries.
