Plateau governorship candidates are set to face the public on their visions, policies and plans for the state as the Plateau Man of the Year Awards, PMYA, introduces a Governorship Candidates’ Manifesto and Leadership Dialogue for its 12th edition.
The new initiative is designed to move the conversation beyond political personalities and party affiliations by giving candidates an equal platform to explain how they intend to address the challenges and opportunities confronting Plateau State.
Organised by COA Media, the 12th edition, tagged “PMYA at 12 — The Standard,” is scheduled for Sunday, January 10, 2027, at the Usiju World Event Centre, Jos.
The dialogue will focus on governance, peace and security, economic development, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, investment and sustainable development.
According to the organisers, the platform will remain non-partisan and independent of political parties and campaign organisations, with participating candidates given equal opportunity to present their visions and policy priorities.
The initiative comes as Plateau prepares for another major political cycle, providing citizens with an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to govern the state and examine their respective policy proposals.
Beyond the political dialogue, PMYA at 12 will retain its tradition of recognising individuals, institutions and organisations whose achievements and contributions have made measurable impact in Plateau State and beyond.
Since its establishment in 2014, PMYA has honoured personalities including Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Dame Pauline Tallen, Dr Chris Kwaja, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Sir Joseph Ari, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang and Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, among others.
Professor Yilwatda, who was honoured as the 2025 Plateau Man of the Year, is the latest recipient of the highest PMYA honour.
Speaking on the new edition, Ambassador Cletus Akhimien, Executive Director of COA Media and Event Director of PMYA, said the platform remained committed to recognising merit, achievement, impact and responsible leadership.
He said the new direction was an opportunity to reflect not only on those who had contributed to Plateau’s past, but also on “the kind of leadership and legacy we want future generations to inherit.”
Nominations for PMYA at 12 will open on October 7 and close on October 28, 2026, with categories covering leadership, governance, business, humanitarian service, education, healthcare, youth development, agriculture, media, technology, entertainment, culture and community impact.
With the introduction of the leadership dialogue, PMYA at 12 is expanding its role from an awards platform to a public forum where Plateau citizens can hear, compare and scrutinise the ideas and policy priorities of those seeking to lead the state.
