Prominent past and present leaders, institutions, and public figures were honoured at the 11th edition of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA) 2025, held at the Usiju World Event Centre, Jos, in recognition of their lasting contributions to leadership, service, and development in Plateau State.
Among those celebrated were late former Governor of Benue-Plateau State, CP Joseph Dechi Gomwalk, late former Governor of Plateau State, Solomon Lar, late former Senator representing Plateau North, Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, Ambassador Godwin Okoko of Bege Foundation, Usiju World Event Centre and its CEO, Mrs. Naomi Gadzama, and Hon. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor.
The highlight of the night was the emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as the Plateau Man of the Year, as the ceremony celebrated excellence, legacy, and transformative impact across generations.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of COA Media and organiser of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards, Ambassador Cletus Akhimien, said the initiative was established to celebrate men and women who are contributing to the growth and development of Plateau State and society at large.
He explained that the 2025 edition is special because it marks Plateau State at 50, noting that the awards are meant to honour individuals who have made Plateau proud and contributed meaningfully to the state’s progress over the past five decades.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of former Senator representing Plateau North, Sen. Istifanus Gyang, Barr. Sam Dido said the lecture focused on leadership, service, and impact as key lessons from Plateau State’s 50 years of existence, describing the anniversary as a moment for reflection and renewal.
He stressed that leadership is about service and results, not titles, and urged leaders and citizens to focus on ethical governance, unity, and measurable impact as Plateau prepares for the next 50 years.
The award ceremony also featured the launch of Eminence Magazine, unveiled by the 2025 Plateau Man of the Year, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, who described the publication as rich and educative. In support of the initiative, ₦5 million was donated on his behalf for the purchase of 10 copies, with other stakeholders also pledging support.
On behalf of the family of the late Solomon Lar, Prof. Mary Lar who received an award for Posthumous Award for Democracy and Nation Building thanked the organisers for recognising his legacy, praising his lifelong commitment to service, unity, and good governance, and urged Plateau State to preserve and celebrate his contributions for future generations.
Ambassador Godwin Okoko, Executive Director of Bege Foundation and awardee for Peace Advocacy and Community Impact, praised the organisers for their consistency and urged future editions to also recognise community stakeholders whose contributions often go unnoticed, while expressing support for the launch of Eminence Magazine.
Mrs. Naomi Gadzama, CEO of Usiju World Event Centre, who won CEO of the Year and saw her centre named Best Event Centre of the Year 2025, commended the organisers for their efforts, describing the awards as well-deserved and encouraging them to continue their excellent work.
Mr. Pam Musa, Vice Chairman of the Plateau State NUJ and Best Journalist of the Year, thanked God for the recognition, dedicating the award to all journalists in the state, and urged reporters to continue promoting peace, development, and responsible reporting.
Other award recipients at the 11th Plateau Man of the Year Awards included Sen. Simon Mwadkwon, Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven, Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, Rt. Hon. Fom Gwottson (Banga by Nature), Arin Izere, NASCO, Jay FM, Queen Stephanie Veirat Joseph, PLASCHEMA, 4wardwego, David Thomas, Abdulrashid Sani Waziri, Linghzi Global, Nanle Longsan, among others, all recognised for their outstanding contributions to leadership, service, and community impact in Plateau State.
