The Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Diket Satso Plang, has honoured the intellectual legacy of his late wife, Professor Janet Punyit Plang, with the official launch of a book titled Gender Gaps, Women’s Studies and National Development, as part of a triple celebration in Jos, Plateau State.
The event, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Langfield Leisure and Event Centre, Little Rayfield, Jos, also featured the send-forth ceremony of his daughter, Miss Nandes Deborah Plang, and the celebration of the Senator’s 60th birthday anniversary.
Speaking during the book presentation, Senator Plang disclosed that his late wife remained deeply committed to the project even while receiving medical treatment in London, regularly following up with contributors to ensure that the publication was completed.
He described the book launch as the fulfilment of her vision, emphasising that the intention was to make her intellectual contributions accessible to the public rather than generate financial proceeds.
“It’s not about money, but it is about fulfillment of my wife’s thought that that book is in the public,” he said.
The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, who represented Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, said the late professor’s contributions to education and the empowerment of the girl child would remain an enduring part of her legacy.
She also commended Senator Plang’s political journey from councillor to senator and congratulated the family on the three significant occasions.
In her review of the publication, Professor Irene Miracle Agunloye observed that gender inequality remained deeply rooted in cultural traditions, policy frameworks and institutional practices, stressing that sustainable national development could not be achieved without addressing these barriers.
She recalled the late Professor Plang’s dedication to advancing women’s participation in leadership and education, particularly at the University of Jos, and urged Senator Plang to establish an annual scholarship scheme for indigent female students in her memory.
Similarly, co-author of the book, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, represented by Mrs Fatima Yaro, described the publication as a call to action for government, institutions, families and individuals to promote equal opportunities for women and girls.
She noted that the book provided practical solutions to gender inequality and encouraged Nigerians to read and apply its recommendations in their homes, schools and institutions.
Also speaking, Dr Yahaya Hyat, who represented the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, paid tribute to the late professor, describing her death as a painful loss to her family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, represented by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, commended the family for ensuring the completion of the project, describing it as a valuable contribution to knowledge and national development.
The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Patricia Mamko Lar, also paid tribute to the late academic for her advocacy for gender equality and pledged that the university library would acquire copies of the publication.
At the send-forth ceremony, Rev. Titus Gukwat of COCIN Yantrailer delivered a sermon titled “Rejoice in the Lord Always,” drawn from Philippians 4:4–7, urging guests to embrace gratitude and contentment.
He cautioned that ingratitude, greed and unhealthy competition often emerge when individuals concentrate on what they lack instead of appreciating their blessings.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by former Plateau State governors and other political leaders, including Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Senator Joshua Dariye, Dame Pauline Tallen and Hon. Beni Lar.
The triple celebration attracted government officials, serving senators, academics, traditional rulers, family members, friends and well-wishers, who gathered to honour the late Professor Janet Plang’s contributions to education and gender advocacy, celebrate Senator Diket Plang’s 60th birthday and wish Miss Nandes Deborah Plang success as she begins a new chapter in her life.
The occasion served not only as a celebration of family milestones but also as a tribute to the enduring value of education, scholarship, women’s empowerment and the preservation of intellectual legacies.
