The Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Professor Diket Satso Plang, has marked his 60th birthday with a triple celebration featuring the posthumous presentation of a book authored in honour of his late wife, Professor Janet Punyit Plang, and the send-off ceremony of their daughter, Miss Nandes Deborah Plang, ahead of her marriage.
The event, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Langfield Leisure and Event Centre, Little Rayfield, Jos, brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, serving and former senators, ministers, academics, religious leaders, family members and other dignitaries.
In his welcome address, Senator Plang said the presentation of Gender Gaps, Women’s Studies and National Development: Bridging the Structural and Institutional Divide in Nigeria fulfilled a dream his late wife had passionately pursued before her death.
He explained that Professor Janet Plang was committed to gender advocacy, women’s empowerment and educational development, recalling that she served as chairperson of the Education Subcommittee of the wives of senators, where she championed issues affecting women and the girl child.
According to him, the late professor remained actively involved in coordinating contributions to the publication, even while receiving medical attention in London, and was determined to see the manuscript completed before her demise.
He disclosed that following her death, the wives of senators provided financial support towards completing the project.
The senator said the event was deliberately described as a book presentation rather than a conventional launch because his primary objective was to fulfil his wife’s aspiration of making her intellectual contributions available to the public, rather than raise funds.
Reviewing the publication, Professor Irene Agunloye described it as a significant contribution to academic scholarship and policy discussions on gender equality and national development.
She said the book contains 17 chapters contributed by 23 authors, examining gender inequalities in cultural practices, institutional structures and policy frameworks.
The publication addresses 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.
Agunloye noted that the book would serve as a resource for academics, policymakers, development practitioners and civil society organisations.
Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bernard Doro, congratulated the Plang family for completing the project initiated by the late professor.
He described the publication as an enduring intellectual legacy and announced a commitment to purchase copies worth ₦1 million on behalf of the national chairman.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, congratulated Senator Plang on attaining 60 years, recounting his political journey through various public offices, including councillor, local government chairman, member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, adviser and senator.
Piyo also paid tribute to the late Professor Janet Plang, describing her contributions to scholarship and commitment to the girl child as an enduring source of inspiration.
Earlier, Reverend Titus Gukwat of COCIN Yantrailer, in an exhortation drawn from Philippians 4:4–7 and titled Rejoice in the Lord Always, urged Christians to embrace gratitude, contentment and faith in God despite life’s challenges.
He also commended Senator Plang’s contributions to the church, particularly his support for its remodelling and expansion, while encouraging him to remain steadfast following the loss of his wife.
On the send-off ceremony of his daughter, Nandes Deborah, Senator Plang described the occasion as another emotional milestone for the family, noting that his late wife would ordinarily have played a leading role in organising the marriage-related activities.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Piyo, traditional rulers, in-laws, political associates and other guests for their support and presence.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Plateau State Governor and Senator, Joshua Dariye; former Deputy Governor, Dame Pauline Tallen; serving and former senators, ministers, traditional rulers, academics, religious leaders and other prominent personalities.
The ceremony climaxed with the cutting of Senator Plang’s 60th birthday cake, the posthumous presentation of his late wife’s book and the send-off of their daughter ahead of her marriage.
