JALO, SHELLENG: ABUJA TO HOST UNVEILING OF TWO MILITARY BIOGRAPHIES By Raymond Enoch

Abuja is set to host the unveiling of two major biographical publications documenting the lives, military careers and enduring legacies of two distinguished Nigerian military officers, the late Lieutenant General GS Jalo and Major General A. Shelleng, in a ceremony expected to celebrate their contributions to national service and the country’s military history.

The books, authored by Hon. John Ngamsa, Ph.D., will be unveiled on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Nigeria Army Conference Centre, Abuja, bringing together military officers, political leaders, historians, academics, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to honour the two personalities.

The publications, titled Defender of the Nation, which chronicles the life and military career of Lt. Gen. GS Jalo CFR, FSS, and Portrait of Honour, dedicated to Maj. Gen. A. Shelleng, seek to preserve the historical footprints of the two officers and provide younger generations with insights into their service, leadership and commitment to Nigeria.

The ceremony, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., is themed “The Labour of Our Heroes Past Shall Never Be in Vain,” a reflection of the importance of recognising the sacrifices of past generations and preserving their contributions to the nation’s development.

The Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, will host the event, while former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, provides the foreword to Defender of the Nation.

Similarly, former Governor of Adamawa State and retired Vice Admiral, Murtala H. Nyako, provides the foreword to Portrait of Honour, further underscoring the significance of the publications to the country’s military and political history.

The keynote address will be delivered by Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, popularly known as BKO, while Hon. Ahmad Sajoh, former Commissioner for Information in Adamawa State, will serve as guest speaker.

The books will be reviewed by Professor Joseph M. Lucas of Taraba State University, Jalingo, and Dr. Edgar Amos, Chief of Staff, Adamawa State Government House.

Beyond the formal unveiling, the publications are expected to contribute to the documentation of Nigeria’s military heritage at a time when preserving institutional memory and recognising the contributions of distinguished national figures remain important to building a stronger sense of national identity.

The careers of the two generals represent chapters in Nigeria’s military history, making their documentation particularly relevant to researchers, historians, military institutions and younger Nigerians interested in understanding the country’s journey through different phases of its national development.

The initiative also highlights the role of biographical literature in preserving the experiences of national figures, ensuring that their professional journeys, leadership values and contributions are not lost to succeeding generations.

The organisers say the event will provide an opportunity for Nigerians from different backgrounds to reflect on the sacrifices of past military leaders and the importance of transmitting their legacies through historical documentation.

Members of the public, serving and retired military officers, academics, students, journalists, traditional rulers, political leaders, families and associates of the late generals are expected to attend.

The organisers have also encouraged institutions, schools and libraries to acquire the books as reference materials for historical research and the study of Nigeria’s military heritage.

The unveiling, scheduled for November 12 in Abuja, is expected to go beyond a literary gathering to serve as a tribute to two military personalities whose stories the publications seek to preserve for posterity.