By Gideon Maxwell
December 1, 2025
Political leaders, elder statesmen and academics gathered in Abuja to celebrate the 80th birthday of Professor Jerry Gana alongside the public presentation of his biography titled Jerry Gana, stewardship and integrity.
The event, held at a high profile venue in the federal capital, attracted a wide spectrum of national figures from politics, academia and civil society.
In his remarks, Yemi Osinbajo described Gana as one of Nigeria’s most consistent public intellectuals whose ideas shaped policy conversations across different administrations.
Osinbajo acknowledged Gana’s long service to the country as a minister, political organiser and academic, while also pointing out areas where the biography could have provided deeper historical context on key national moments and relationships.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised Gana’s courage and loyalty to national ideals, recalling their years of working together in government and policy reform.
Obasanjo said Gana demonstrated uncommon discipline and commitment to democratic values, even in periods of political tension and transition.
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan also commended Gana’s integrity and intellect, noting that his influence extended beyond holding public office to mentoring younger generations of leaders.
Jonathan said Gana remained relevant because of his ability to combine scholarship with practical governance.
Other dignitaries at the event included former ministers, serving lawmakers, party leaders and senior academics, many of whom reflected on Gana’s role in political mobilisation, constitutional debates and national reconciliation efforts.
Several speakers described him as a bridge between generations of Nigerian leadership.
The celebration highlighted Jerry Gana’s enduring influence on national discourse and reinforced his reputation as a statesman whose public life has been defined by service, ideas and principled engagement with Nigeria’s evolving democratic journey.
