The Jos Family Christmas Festival 3.0 recorded a vibrant outing as the “Rep Your Kulture | Fashion Runway” event took place with beautiful cultural representations from different ethnic groups, creative writing fashion displays, and a lively runway showcase.
The event featured stunning traditional attires, energetic cultural performances, a children’s fun fair, and numerous side attractions that kept families and visitors entertained throughout the day. The colourful celebration highlighted Plateau State’s rich heritage while creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere for all age groups.
Following the successful cultural runway yesterday, activities at the Christmas Village continue today with an exciting Movie Night, offering families and friends a perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy quality time together in a safe and festive environment.
The Jos Family Christmas Festival 3.0 runs through December 31, delivering daily entertainment and unforgettable festive experiences in Jos.
The Federal Government has designated kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists, escalating Nigeria’s response to abductions, attacks on farmers and community violence.
The announcement was made by Information Minister Mohammed Idris at the end-of-the-year press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
This signals a shift from treating mass kidnappings and rural attacks as ordinary crimes to confronting them with full counterterrorism measures.
What Idris Said Idris said the new designation gives security agencies broader authority to pursue, disrupt and dismantle criminal groups terrorising communities.
“Henceforth, any armed group or individual that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, and terrorises our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist,” the minister said.
He added that the policy shift would strengthen intelligence sharing and operational coordination across security and intelligence agencies, enabling faster and more decisive responses.
Highlighting recent progress, Idris disclosed that improved collaboration had already yielded results.
“In 2025, two of the most internationally wanted criminals were captured through the coordination of our security agencies and those in the intelligence community,” he said.
The tougher stance comes amid growing concern over the use of forests and remote rural areas by kidnappers, bandits and insurgent groups as safe havens, particularly in farming and border communities.
According to the minister, the forest guard initiative is intended to close these gaps by combining surveillance, local intelligence and rapid-response capabilities in hard-to-reach areas.
“Trained and equipped forest guards will be deployed to secure our forests and other vulnerable locations,” Idris said, stressing that criminal groups would no longer enjoy ungoverned spaces.
The move builds on earlier efforts to boost inter-agency coordination and strengthen territorial control beyond major cities.
What This Means By designating kidnappers as terrorists, the government signals zero tolerance for abductions and rural violence while expanding security forces’ powers.
The deployment of forest guards is expected to disrupt criminal supply routes, dismantle camps hidden in forests and reassure farming communities affected by insecurity.
What You Should Know Nigeria’s kidnap-for-ransom economy has surged, with at least N2.56 billion paid between July 2024 and June 2025 to free abductees.
According to SBM Intelligence’s latest report on the economics of kidnapping, abductors demanded N48 billion in ransoms during the period, but only 5.35% was actually paid.
In total, 4,722 Nigerians were kidnapped in 997 incidents, while 762 people lost their lives in abduction-related violence.
The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) has announced the availability of over 5,000 unclaimed and outstanding driver’s licences received from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), calling on affected residents to come forward for immediate collection.
In a public notice issued on Monday, PSIRS disclosed that the backlog of driver’s licences had been officially handed over by the FRSC and are now ready for distribution to applicants who have completed their processing but are yet to receive their licences.
The Service advised all Plateau State residents awaiting their driver’s licences to visit the PSIRS Headquarters located at No. 6 Bank Road, Jos, to collect their documents.
According to the statement, collection will take place from Mondays to Fridays, between 8:00am and 5:00pm, and applicants are expected to present valid means of identification and other relevant documents to facilitate a smooth process.
The announcement was signed by the Head of the Corporate Communications Department, Wulashik Lucius Dafaan, who urged eligible residents to take advantage of the opportunity and avoid further delays.
PSIRS reaffirmed its commitment to efficient service delivery and appealed to the public for cooperation during the collection exercise.
COA Media has officially announced Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as the Plateau Man of the Year 2025.
The award recognises Professor Yilwatda’s exceptional leadership, humanitarian service, and transformative contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State. Over the years, he has distinguished himself through people-focused initiatives that have positively impacted communities across the State.
His work spans healthcare delivery, education, youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, agriculture, and social welfare. Notable initiatives include free medical outreaches across all three senatorial zones, skills acquisition programmes for youths, agricultural empowerment projects for farmers, and financial support to women and young entrepreneurs. His humanitarian interventions have also extended to victims of insecurity, widows, retired workers, students, and other vulnerable groups, reflecting a leadership approach anchored in compassion and service beyond public office.
Professor Yilwatda emerged as the recipient following a transparent public nomination and selection process conducted between November 19 and December 16, 2025. The process recorded widespread participation, reflecting overwhelming public confidence in his leadership and impact.
Past recipients of the Plateau Man of the Year Award include Ambassador Yahaya Kwande; Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong; Dame Pauline Tallen; Hon. Chris Kwaja, PhD; Hon. Beni B. Lar; Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Sir Joseph Ntung Ari; Engr. Chief Dr. Meshach Congo Maichibi; and Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Notably, the 2025 edition marks the 11th anniversary of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards, reinforcing its reputation as the premier initiative recognising outstanding individuals and institutions driving development, unity, and positive transformation in Plateau State.
The award will be formally presented at a grand ceremony scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Usiju World Events Centre, Jos, Plateau State.
The Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA) is an annual flagship initiative of COA Media, established to celebrate excellence, innovation, and impactful service across both public and private sectors in Plateau State.
E-Signed
Amb. Cletus Akhimien Team Lead, Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA) For: COA Media
Jos, Plateau State – In a remarkable gathering aimed at fostering collaboration and growth in the technology sector, the Plateau State Association of Technology Companies (PLATEC) hosted a landmark dinner event at the New Government House Hall on 19th December 2025. Themed “Fostering Collaboration within The Tech Ecosystem in Plateau State,” the event brought together tech entrepreneurs, government officials, students, media practitioners, and development partners to celebrate PLATEC’s achievements and chart the future of Plateau’s technology ecosystem.
In his welcoming address, Plateau State Associate of Technology Companies (PLATEC) Chairman, Stephen Sunday, described the occasion as an emotional and historic milestone for the association. He paid special tribute to the immediate past chairman, Chief Koppe Sylvanus, who carried the association for seven years, sustaining it despite the absence of membership dues. Sunday explained that PLATEC is an inclusive body comprising freelancers, registered companies, institutions, government agencies, and development partners contributing to technology growth across all 17 local government areas of Plateau State. With over 250 registered members, he noted that PLATEC was established to deliberately grow a strong, competitive tech ecosystem in Plateau State and beyond. He emphasized that collaboration, partnerships, and effective storytelling remain key to innovation and growth.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, apologized for his late arrival and reiterated the state government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector. He stressed that collaboration is essential, as government alone cannot drive technological development. Dr. Shurkuk announced plans for a State Festival of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the coming year and invited PLATEC members to actively participate in organizing the event to showcase Plateau’s innovations locally and internationally.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Engr. Datong Dominic Gwaman, urged tech stakeholders to consolidate efforts and work collectively on impactful projects. He cautioned against duplication of solutions and encouraged innovators to focus on local automation needs before external players dominate the space, stressing that collaboration is key to scaling innovations and unlocking economic value.
The Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) also expressed strong support. Represented by Jerusha Chaimang on behalf of the Director General, Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, the agency conveyed warm goodwill to PLATEC. She emphasized that sustainability, innovation, enterprise growth, and economic transformation are best achieved through inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnerships. She noted that collaboration between technology-driven enterprises and public institutions is critical to unlocking financial inclusion, development, and empowerment across Plateau State, while commending PLATEC for its dedication and impact.
Similarly, Tsok James, representing the Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, highlighted PSIRS’s effective use of technology in revenue administration and pledged the agency’s readiness to collaborate with PLATEC to deepen technology-driven governance.
The Chairman of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), Matthew Tegha, emphasized the role of digital and online media in amplifying innovations, promoting startups, and connecting the tech ecosystem to local and global opportunities. He reaffirmed PLABOMA’s commitment to partnering with tech companies to position Plateau State as a hub for technology and creativity.
In his remarks, Chief Koppe Sylvanus, immediate past PLATEC Chairman, reflected on the power of collective organization in gaining government and investor attention. He pledged continued support by offering access to his organization’s ICT facility, equipped with internet-enabled systems, at subsidized and free rates for PLATEC programs, mentorship, and talent development.
Representing the tech community, Domkinan Enoch encouraged innovators to remain resilient despite challenges such as limited resources and access. He stressed the importance of marketing, visibility, and creative storytelling in attracting investors and collaborators, urging tech companies to persist and build solutions capable of lasting impact.
The event concluded with a strong consensus on the need for deeper collaboration among government, private sector players, development agencies, media, and innovators. With renewed commitments from institutions such as PLASMIDA, PSIRS, PICTDA, and strong backing from the tech and media communities, stakeholders expressed optimism that Plateau State is steadily positioning itself as a vibrant and competitive technology hub in Nigeria.
The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to end the cycle of chronic malnutrition, which currently affects about 44 percent of children across the state. Authorities have identified prolonged violent conflicts, displacement of farming communities, poor infant and young child feeding practices, and the failure of households to consume available nutritious foods as key factors worsening the situation. These issues were brought to the fore during a press briefing at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Jos, organized as part of activities marking the 2025 Nutrition Week.
Addressing journalists, the Director of Nutrition at the Plateau State Primary Health Care Development Board, Tongmor Dabis, emphasized that the fight against chronic malnutrition must begin with maternal health and early childhood nutrition. She stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by appropriate complementary feeding, warning that poor nutrition during this critical period leads to irreversible stunting. Dabis disclosed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has approved funds for the procurement of Small-Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant and nursing mothers, noting that these interventions are aimed at preventing malnutrition from the womb and addressing the reality that many families sell nutritious produce instead of consuming it.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Yohanna Mangtu, highlighted achievements recorded under The Time Is Now administration, describing the government’s response as deliberate and multi-sectoral. He cited the establishment of Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition, the review of the State Food and Nutrition Policy (2024–2028), and the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative to strengthen grassroots implementation. Mangtu also pointed to the role of the health sector through maternal, newborn, and child health weeks, as well as contributions from other ministries in food safety, sustainable agriculture, MSME food fortification, and school garden revival. He added that partnerships with UNICEF and civil society organizations have expanded community sensitization, WASH promotion, adolescent nutrition education, and household food production, positioning Plateau State for sustained progress in improving nutrition outcomes despite ongoing challenges.
The Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, hosted its 2025 End-of-Year Get-Together/Retirement/Award Night on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Zumji Event Centre, Jos. The colourful ceremony brought together government officials, hospital management, staff, retirees, partners, and invited guests in an evening filled with appreciation, entertainment, goodwill messages, and reflections on the hospital’s growth. The event highlighted the institution’s commitment to strengthening staff welfare, encouraging unity, and recognising decades of dedicated service.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Christopher Sabo Yilgwan, warmly welcomed guests and appreciated the large turnout despite the programme’s slight delay. He expressed delight at the colourful décor and the togetherness displayed by staff and stakeholders, noting that the gathering offered an opportunity to unwind and strengthen interpersonal relationships beyond official duties.
Prof. Yilgwan especially appreciated dignitaries present, including the Plateau State Commissioner of Health, top government officials, sister health institutions, and friends of the hospital for gracing the ceremony. He honoured retiring staff for their years of service, describing the retirement celebration as a culture the hospital would continue to uphold annually. He encouraged staff to interact freely, enjoy the moment, and build social bonds that would promote teamwork and harmony within the institution.
He concluded by thanking everyone for their contributions toward the hospital’s progress, assuring that next year’s celebration would be even bigger, and wishing the gathering a memorable evening filled with joy and entertainment.
Delivering his remarks, the Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Ba’amlong, described the evening as significant, praising the hospital’s leadership for honouring retiring workers and creating an atmosphere of unity. He said the recognition of retirees showed that the hospital valued the contributions of its employees even beyond active service.
Dr. Ba’amlong highlighted government commitment to strengthening the Plateau State Specialist Hospital through clinical upgrades, infrastructure development, improved investigations, and staff training. He also reminded staff of the hospital’s evolving identity as the designated teaching hospital for the Plateau State University medical programme, urging workers to prepare for the academic and administrative implications ahead. He encouraged prayers for staff lost within the year and wished the hospital continued growth.
The Executive Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, commended the hospital for creating a relaxed atmosphere where health workers could dine and celebrate together outside clinical settings. He expressed pride in Prof. Yilgwan, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Pankshin.
He praised the hospital for honouring its retirees, noting that such a gesture strengthens service morale and motivates those still working. According to him, the hospital has changed its narrative through improved services and increasing public trust. He prayed for continued success and greater recognition for the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the honoured retirees, Simon Dachollom Audu expressed deep appreciation to the CMD, management, and colleagues for celebrating them. He reflected on their years of service to the state, acknowledging those who supported and guided them. Audu remembered colleagues who passed away before retirement, describing the ceremony as a privilege none of them took for granted. He thanked the government, the management team, and the hospital community for honouring their contributions.
The event featured presentation of of 5aside football competition trophy and presentation of awards and gifts to retiring staff, recognising decades of loyal service to the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. Guests participated in special prayers and a ceremonial toast for retirees, the hospital, and future progress.
With music, laughter, and social bonding, the night ended on a joyful note as attendees celebrated dedication, unity, and a renewed vision for excellence at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Hon. Cornelius Dongnaan Doeyok, has called for stronger collaboration between government and digital media practitioners to effectively project Plateau State as a leading tourism and cultural destination.
The commissioner made the call while receiving members of the Plateau State Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) on a courtesy visit to the ministry in Jos.
Hon. Doeyok identified inadequate storytelling and limited visibility of Plateau State’s vast tourism and cultural assets as one of the major challenges facing the sector, stressing that strategic media engagement is critical to attracting visitors, investors, and stimulating economic growth.
According to him, despite Plateau State’s long-standing reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” the state has not done enough to showcase its attractions, cultural heritage, festivals, and hospitality offerings to audiences within and outside Nigeria.
“One of the things I have identified in this ministry is that we have not been able to tell our story well. We have the climate, the culture, the cuisines, and the sites, but we have not amplified them enough for the world to see,” the commissioner said.
He noted that the increasing dominance of digital platforms has shifted public attention from traditional media to online news and social media, positioning bloggers and online publishers as critical stakeholders in tourism development.
“Most of the news people read today is on their phones. That is why the advantage of online media is bigger. We need you to help put Plateau in the faces of the world,” Doeyok added.
The commissioner further explained that effective media coverage would not only attract tourists but also draw investors to many undeveloped tourism sites across the state, describing tourism as a viable economic driver capable of creating jobs and boosting internally generated revenue.
He advocated for structured engagement with PLABOMA as an association rather than individual platforms, noting that institutional collaboration would reduce bureaucracy, ensure credibility, and enhance accountability.
“Tourism cannot grow on paper. We need the world to hear about what we are doing here. Media is central to that process, and we want you involved as stakeholders,” he stated.
Earlier, PLABOMA Chairman, Matthew Tegha, said the visit was to formally introduce the association to the ministry and express its readiness to collaborate in promoting Plateau State’s tourism, culture, and hospitality sectors.
Tegha noted that PLABOMA members operate across diverse digital platforms with audiences spanning local and international communities, placing the association in a strong position to project the state positively.
“Our members are spread across various online platforms with wide reach. This positions us to promote Plateau State effectively, both locally and globally,” he said.
He commended the commissioner for what he described as a visible revival of tourism and cultural activities in the state, noting that recent events have contributed to preserving cultural heritage while creating opportunities for youth participation and economic growth.
PLABOMA also highlighted its existing collaborations with government agencies and private sector organisations, including the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service and environmental agencies, as evidence of its capacity for structured and ethical partnership.
In his remarks, PLABOMA General Secretary, Ibrahim Kallamu, emphasized the responsibility of professional online media practitioners to counter misinformation and unverified narratives capable of damaging the state’s image.
“When false or misleading narratives go unchecked online, they discourage tourism and investment. Platforms like ours exist to provide verified, balanced, and professional reporting,” Kallamu said.
He praised the ministry’s recent tourism-driven initiatives, including cultural carnivals and festivals, noting that PLABOMA’s media engagement helped extend their reach beyond Plateau State.
Kallamu also disclosed that the association recently issued a statement condemning an unidentified “Plateau State Social Media Award,” which it described as lacking credibility and professionalism due to questionable categories and faceless organisers.
Speaking on behalf of the association’s Board of Trustees, Audu Alex observed increased social and economic activities across parts of Jos, describing the development as evidence of renewed momentum in the state’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“What we are seeing on the streets shows that something is working. With proper media documentation, these moments can change narratives and restore confidence in Plateau State,” he said.
The visit ended with mutual commitments to deepen collaboration, with Hon. Doeyok assuring PLABOMA of an open-door policy and increased media inclusion in the ministry’s 2026 tourism agenda.
“This is the beginning of a new relationship. This ministry should be one of the loudest voices projecting Plateau State to the world, and media partnership is key to achieving that,” the commissioner said.
The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), the umbrella body of social media practitioners in Plateau State and a duly registered organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), wishes to draw the attention of the general public to a purported Plateau State Social Media Award currently being promoted online.
The Association has observed with concern that this so-called award lacks credibility, transparency, and the necessary professional standards required to represent the collective voice and interests of the social media community in Plateau State. As the recognized custodian of this community—by virtue of our broad-based membership comprising most known platforms, bloggers, online media practitioners, and influencers across the state—PLABOMA affirms that the said award does not have the endorsement, input, or approval of the Association.
We therefore call on responsible individuals, brands, organizations, and the general public to disregard any award presently circulating under the name “Plateau State Social Media Award,” as it falls short of acceptable standards and credibility. Evidence available to us suggests that the promoters of this initiative are not driven by professional integrity but by personal gain, with the intention of exploiting unsuspecting Plateau sons and daughters.
Furthermore, the claim by the organizers that the award seeks to recognize individuals, brands, and initiatives leveraging social media to add value to the ICT and digital technology ecosystem in Plateau State raises serious questions about their competence and capacity. The organizers are neither recognized social media practitioners nor trained professionals within the digital media space, unlike members of our Association who are subject to professional standards, ethical guidelines, and continuous capacity development.
It is also important to note that previous editions of similar initiatives were organized by an individual who was then an executive member of this Association. His recent public disclaimer further casts doubt on the intentions and legitimacy of the new group behind the current initiative, reinforcing concerns that the exercise is designed to exploit rather than genuinely recognize excellence.
This clarification has become necessary in view of the consistent and credible work the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association has carried out over the years to sanitize, professionalize, and give due recognition to the digital media space in Plateau State. Guided by our motto—“Promoting credible, ethical online reporting and practices”—the Association has continued to partner with government agencies, organizations, and businesses to project Plateau State positively and responsibly.
The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association remains committed to upholding integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards in the digital media landscape of Plateau State.
SIGNED: Ibrahim Kallamu Secretary, Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA)
Young people in underrepresented communities and IDP camps across Abuja have completed a transformative gender justice project that empowered them to speak out through storytelling and creative advocacy.
The initiative, titled “Our Voice, Our Power,” engaged adolescent girls and boys from Durumi and the New Kuchingoro IDP camp, demonstrating how imagination, dialogue, and media can drive community change.
Implemented by Ogri Caro-Ann Aricha, Opeyemi Adenikan, Elizabeth Kedonojo Umoru, and Priye Diri, Fellows of the Nigerian Green Academy, the project combined film education, creative writing, and feminist mentorship, with funding from Heinrich Böll Stiftung.
According to the organisers, the goal was clear: “to give young people the knowledge and confidence to identify inequalities and speak against them.” The programme focused on feminism, allyship, bodily autonomy, gender rights, and ethical leadership.
Twenty adolescents aged 13 to 18 were selected through a reflective writing exercise titled “My Dream of a Gender Equal World,” which introduced them to key themes while encouraging personal expression.
As the project progressed, participants began to see themselves differently, shifting from passive observers to active community members capable of influence and leadership.
A major highlight was the screening of documentaries on African women changemakers and positive masculinity, which opened conversations on barriers faced by girls and the pressures shaping boys.
In reflection circles, girls spoke about safety, early marriage, and silencing, while boys confronted ideas around dominance and accountability, supported by facilitators and feminist leaders including Dorothy Njemanze, Nafisa Atiku, and Kenneth Kamah.
Through structured workshops, participants moved from journaling to scripting short advocacy pieces, later producing videos that addressed issues such as girls’ education, menstrual hygiene, fairness in decision-making, empathy, and inclusion.
The advocacy videos were launched online under the hashtag #HerVoiceHerPower, spotlighting girls while positioning boys as visible allies, and inviting wider public engagement on youth-led gender justice.
Beyond workshops, participants gained skills in teamwork, public speaking, leadership, and responsible social media use, with each encouraged to share lessons within homes, schools, youth groups, and the IDP camp.
The project also produced a book titled “My Dream of a Gender Equal World,” featuring the adolescents’ essays, alongside seven advocacy videos, all created between August and November.
Supported by FEMBUDNG and Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Our Voice, Our Power stands as a significant contribution to feminist education, reaffirming that “when young voices are amplified, communities reflect—and change begins.”
