St. Matthew’s Church in Maitama, Abuja, was filled with friends, family members and national leaders on 30 November 2025 as they gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday thanksgiving of Professor Jerry Gana, one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in politics and academia.
The thanksgiving service included a Bible reading from Psalm 103, delivered by his son, Honourable Joshua Gana, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Constituency of Niger State. A second reading, taken from Romans 8:31–38, followed. The sermon focused on God’s grace, blessings and the long, meaningful life of the celebrant.
After the service, the celebration continued with the launch of a new book titled Jerry Gana, Stewardship and Integrity, written by Simon Musa and reviewed by former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a recorded video message, described Gana as a man of integrity who is “very thorough and intelligent.” Obasanjo noted that although “all sorts of things happen in politics” and many wrongdoings are often concealed, Gana remains a rare figure who “does not cover up any form of misconduct.”
Professor Gana attended the event with his wife, Lucy Teni Gana, and their children. Several prominent figures also took part in the celebration, including the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, and the new PDP chairman, Kabiru Turaki. Former Niger State governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu was also present as the celebrant cut his birthday cake. The moment reflected the high regard many Nigerians have for Professor Gana.
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Gana who became a professor at age 40, has played a major role in Nigeria’s public life for decades. He was a Senator in the Second Republic and later became widely known as the head of MAMSER, a government programme created to teach citizens about social responsibility and prepare Nigeria for democracy. He went on to serve as Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Minister of State for Power and Steel, and Minister of Information and National Orientation. He also served as Political Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo and helped establish the Peoples Democratic Party in 1998.
Born on 30 November 1945 in Busu, Niger State, he studied at Government College, Bida, before moving to Ahmadu Bello University, where he earned a degree in Geography. He later completed his Ph.D. at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and returned to Nigeria to teach, becoming a professor in 1985. His academic work focused on rural development and market systems, subjects that later shaped his approach to national planning.
President Bola Tinubu sent a special message to mark the occasion, describing Professor Gana as “a prolific communicator, a mass mobiliser and a passionate patriot.” He thanked him for his many years of service to Nigeria and prayed for continued good health and clarity of mind.
Professor Gana, in his response, expressed his appreciation to all well-wishers who attended the occasion.
At 80, Professor Gana remains active in public discussions and continues to speak about the importance of unity, good leadership and national development. For many who attended the thanksgiving service, the event was not just a birthday celebration but a chance to honour a man who has dedicated much of his life to Nigeria
