Jonah David Jang

Jonah David Jang (born March 13, 1944) is a retired Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore and prominent politician who has played significant roles in both military and civilian leadership in Nigeria.

Military Career

Jang enlisted in the Nigerian Air Force in 1965 and rose steadily through the ranks. He attained the rank of Air Commodore before voluntarily retiring in 1990. At the time of the referenced photograph, he held the rank of Group Captain.

Military Governorships

During the military era under Ibrahim Babangida, Jang served as:

Military Governor of Benue State (August 1985 – August 1986)

Military Governor of Gongola State (27 September 1986 – 29 July 1988)

Gongola State at the time comprised areas that are now Adamawa and Taraba States. The dates shown in the image (27th Sept. 1986 – 29th July 1988) refer to his tenure as Military Governor of Gongola State, not his lifespan.

Civilian Political Career

Following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, Jang transitioned into partisan politics.

Served two terms as Executive Governor of Plateau State (2007–2015).

Represented Plateau North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate (2015–2019).

As governor, he was widely associated with infrastructural development initiatives in Plateau State, including road construction, urban renewal projects, and public sector reforms.

Legacy and Influence

Jonah David Jang remains a significant political figure in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. His career reflects a transition from military administration to democratic governance—an experience shared by several Nigerian leaders of his generation.
From military officer to state governor and senator, Jang’s public life spans decades of Nigeria’s political evolution.

Photo Credit: The Nigerian Newsletter