By Ayuba Doekyil
When people talk about Nigerians who made history beyond the country’s borders, one name from Plateau State deserves special mention, Lt. Colonel James Yakubu Gyang Pam.
His remarkable life reflects the story of Plateau itself, a quiet, hilly state in North-Central Nigeria that has produced distinguished soldiers, scholars, statesmen, and peacemakers.
Born on 23 November 1933 in Jos, the present-day capital of Plateau State, James Yakubu Gyang Pam would grow to become one of the state’s most celebrated sons.
He attended Barewa College, Zaria, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious schools that produced many of the country’s early leaders. From there, he proceeded to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, one of the world’s foremost military institutions.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Pam made history as the country’s first indigenous artillery officer and the first commissioned military officer from the Middle Belt.
His brilliance and professionalism saw him rise through the ranks to become the Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army, one of the military’s highest command positions.
The Mission That Took Him to East Africa
In January 1964, soldiers of the Tanganyika Rifles mutinied against their government, protesting poor pay and the slow replacement of British officers with Africans.
The crisis threatened the stability of the newly independent nation. President Julius Nyerere sought assistance, and Nigeria answered.
By April 1964, Lt. Col. Pam led Nigeria’s 3rd Battalion from Kaduna to Dar es Salaam to help restore order. Beyond ending the mutiny, Pam and his men undertook the difficult task of rebuilding and retraining Tanganyika’s army almost from scratch.
The reorganised force later evolved into what is today known as the Tanzania People’s Defence Force.
On 21 September 1964, President Nyerere held a ceremonial parade in honour of the Nigerian contingent. As a mark of appreciation, he presented Lt. Col. Pam with a leopard skin, a shield, and a spear.
By then, Tanganyika had already united with Zanzibar to form the Republic of Tanzania. While Lt. Col. Pam played no role in negotiating that political union, his successful military mission helped provide the stability the young nation desperately needed during one of the most delicate periods in its history.
In recognition of his outstanding service, the Nigerian government awarded him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 1965.
A Promising Life Ended Too Soon
Sadly, Lt. Col. Pam never had the opportunity to formally receive the honour.
During Nigeria’s first military coup on 15 January 1966, he was taken from his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, and killed. He was only 32 years old.
Fifteen years later, his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Pam, received the MFR on his behalf, ensuring that his service to Nigeria and Africa was formally recognised.
Plateau State at a Glance:
Lt. Col. Pam’s story also tells the story of Plateau State.
Located in North-Central Nigeria, Plateau State is widely known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.” Its capital, Jos, is famous for its cool climate, scenic rock formations, and rich history of tin mining, which once made the city one of Nigeria’s major commercial centres.
The state is home to numerous ethnic nationalities, including the Berom, Pan, Ngas, Tarok, Afizere, and many others.
Over the years, Plateau has produced respected military officers, academics, public servants, religious leaders, and professionals whose contributions extend far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Why His Story Still Matters
Lt. Col. James Yakubu Gyang Pam reminds us that Plateau State’s contributions to Nigeria and Africa did not begin in recent times.
Long before Nigerians gained global recognition through music, sports, technology, and business, sons of Plateau were already representing the country with distinction in international peace and military service.
His legacy is not only an important chapter in Nigerian military history but also part of Plateau State’s identity, one built on courage, sacrifice, leadership, and quiet excellence.
Sources: Nigerian Army historical records; Tanzania People’s Defence Force historical archives; Federal Government of Nigeria national honours records; published accounts on Lt. Col. James Yakubu Gyang Pam and the 1964 Tanganyika Rifles Mutiny.
~ Culled by Ayuba Doekyil, Digital Visibility and PR Expert, Political Communication Strategist and a Public Affairs Commentator.
