24/05/2026
Scholars, Clergy, and Dignitaries Gather in Jos to Celebrate Prof. Yusufu Turaki at 80 and Wife Dr. Deborah Turaki at 70
Family, friends, clergy, and public officials converged at CRISPAN Hotel, Jos, to celebrate the 80th birthday of renowned theologian and scholar Rev. Prof. Yusufu Turaki, alongside the 70th birthday of his wife, Dr. Mrs. Deborah Turaki. The event also served as the public presentation of two of Prof. Turaki’s books: Religion, Church and Society and Yusufu Turaki: A Life of Scholarship and Service.
A Legacy of Faith and Integrity
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jerry Gana, CON, extolled the celebrant as an excellent professor, a man of faith and prayer, and a quintessential speaker of unquestionable integrity and character. “Distinguished Prof. Turaki is a worthy person full of knowledge, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. He is a role model in his community, radiating light that impacts everyone he meets,” Gana said. He also described Dr. Deborah Turaki as a woman of excellence, congratulating the couple on God’s faithfulness over their lives.
A Righteous Man Who Never Tolerated Unrighteousness
Guest speaker Prof. Daniel McCain described Prof. Turaki as a righteous man who never tolerated any unrighteousness in his life, adding that this was why God had blessed him with a life of glory. McCain disclosed that the erudite professor had sacrificed his life for the church, government, and humanity. He noted that Turaki, a brilliant scholar and sound man of God, was one of twelve wise African theologians who worked diligently to produce the Africa Study Bible.
Delivering a meditation based on Ecclesiastes 12:1 – “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” – McCain urged attendees to emulate Turaki’s example of dedicating youth and energy to the service of God and humanity. He likened Turaki’s life to that of Moses, commending his commitment to righteousness, productivity, research, and God’s glory. He also praised Dr. Deborah Turaki as a righteous woman at 70, saying he aspired to emulate their legacy.
Book Dedication and Goodwill Messages
The President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr. Ayuba Job Bagat Mallam, dedicated the two books and thanked guests for honoring the couple. He said the occasion was not only a celebration of age but of a legacy that “will continue to speak for generations yet unborn.”
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, described Prof. Turaki as a worthy servant of God, full of wisdom and knowledge, adding that there was still much to learn from him at 80. The governor later unveiled the two books.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was represented by Vice President Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, who congratulated the couple and noted that whenever Distinguished Prof. Turaki stands to speak, he stands tall among scholars in Nigeria. He prayed for continued strength for Turaki’s work.
Additional remarks came from the ECWA General Secretary’s office, represented by Assistant General Secretary Rev. Dr. Sunday Congo, who described Turaki as “an icon, a humble servant of God, a renovator, and a transformer” whose life has been devoted to transforming individuals and society.
Danjuma Dickson Auta
ECWA Ag. PRO
