The prestigious Face of Plateau pageant has officially flagged off its search for the 2026 crown holder, inviting confident, intelligent, and purpose-driven young women to step forward. For over 11 years, the platform has upheld its reputation as a beacon of culture, excellence, leadership, and responsible womanhood in Plateau State and beyond.
More than a beauty contest, Face of Plateau seeks young women who embody elegance, cultural pride, intellect, and influence, women who understand that beauty isn’t just appearance, but a powerful voice for impact.
What Awaits the Next Queen?
The 2026 edition promises not only visibility but transformation. The winner stands to enjoy a star prize valued at ₦500,000 and more, alongside opportunities for:
Leadership and personal development
Media exposure and brand visibility
Cultural ambassadorship
Community-oriented project platforms
With its strong legacy, the pageant continues to nurture young women into ambassadors who lead, advocate, and inspire growth within their communities.
How to Join the Race
Interested participants can register via WhatsApp: 08115601779, or Call: 0902 364 3119.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that sales of application forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) will begin on Monday, January 26, 2026, with key registration and examination dates confirmed for the 2026/27 admission cycle.
In a public statement, the Board said, “Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria for the 2026/27 academic session.”
JAMB emphasized its age eligibility requirement, noting that “Only candidates who will not be less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 are generally eligible to apply/be considered.” However, the Board also introduced a waiver option for exceptional underage applicants, requiring an “intensive evaluation” and a minimum performance of “not less than 80% in each of UTME/ALEVEL, PUTME, SSCE and the exceptional candidate assessment.” It added that results for such candidates would be withheld until the assessment is concluded.
According to the schedule released, UTME registration, including for foreign candidates will run from January 26 to February 28, 2026, while the vending of E-PINs begins earlier on January 19 and ends on February 26, 2026. Registration closes on February 28, 2026.
For Direct Entry, sales of application documents and E-PINs will commence on March 2 and close on April 25, 2026, and will only be available at JAMB State and Zonal Offices.
The Board also unveiled three categories of e-PINs for applicants: Direct Entry (₦5,700); UTME without Mock (₦7,200); and UTME with Mock (₦8,700). The breakdown includes: Application Fee (₦3,500), Reading Text (₦1,000), CBT Centre Registration Service Charge (₦700), CBT Centre UTME Service Charge (₦1,500), Bank Charges (₦500), and optional Mock UTME Fee (₦1,500).
On examination timelines, JAMB announced that the 2026 UTME will hold from April 16 to April 25, 2026, while the optional Mock-UTME is scheduled for March 28, 2026.
The announcement officially opens the admission process for tertiary institutions nationwide for the 2026/27 academic year, as candidates prepare for another cycle of competitive entry examinations.
Plateau State is set to host one of its most prestigious civic gatherings as the Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA) @11 takes center stage on Sunday, 8th February 2026, at the Usiju World Events Centre, Jos, Plateau State. The highly respected platform is dedicated to recognising outstanding leadership, service, innovation, and community impact across the state.
In reflection of Plateau State’s 50-year journey, PMYA @11 convenes distinguished public servants, business leaders, professionals, creatives, and change-makers for an evening of honour, reflection, and inspiration.
More Than an Awards Ceremony
PMYA @11 goes beyond trophies and accolades. It is: • A convergence of excellence and leadership • A platform for meaningful engagement and networking • A moment to reflect on Plateau’s journey while inspiring the next generation
Event Details
📅 Date: Sunday, 8th February 2026 📍 Venue: Usiju World Events Centre, Jos, Plateau State
Whether you are a senior leader, an emerging voice, a corporate partner, or a community builder, PMYA @11 offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to a legacy-driven conversation on leadership and service.
Participation & Enquiries
Interested in being part of PMYA @11? For partnerships, tickets, or table reservations, please contact: 📞 08036615288 | 09023643119 | 08115601779 You may also send a DM for details. Seats are limited.
Dress Code
Traditional Elegance – Guests are encouraged to showcase Plateau State’s rich cultural heritage and identity.
PMYA @11 promises to be a memorable gathering defined by leadership, heritage, and purpose.
Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA) Honouring Leadership. Preserving Legacy. Inspiring the Future.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, now 81, is pursuing a seventh term in office, extending a tenure that began in 1986 and has defined the political landscape for generations of Ugandans.
When Museveni first seized power, he famously condemned African leaders who “overstay in power.” Four decades later, the former rebel commander—once welcomed as a reformer—faces criticism over corruption, authoritarianism and the erosion of public institutions.
“Corruption has been central to his rule from the beginning,” said Kristof Titeca, a political scientist at the University of Antwerp. Museveni admits corruption exists within government ranks but insists offenders are held accountable.
Internationally, he has positioned Uganda as a strategic partner, deploying troops to conflict zones, hosting refugees and aligning with Western interests. Domestically, the record is mixed: his government earned praise for combatting HIV/AIDS and defeating the Lord’s Resistance Army, but corruption and poor service delivery left schools underperforming and youth unemployment high.
Museveni’s ascent began in exile, where he organized armed movements that ultimately toppled a series of Ugandan leaders. His National Resistance Movement took power in 1986, hailed as ushering in a “fundamental change.” Early support from Western governments later waned as economic liberalization benefited loyalists and privatized state assets at bargain rates.
Museveni has won all six elections he has contested, often against former allies such as Kizza Besigye, who accused him of authoritarianism. Parliament removed term limits in 2005, a move widely seen as paving the way for indefinite rule. Opposition groups have repeatedly disputed election outcomes, alleging irregularities; security forces have quelled protests.
In recent years, Museveni has deepened ties with non-Western partners including China, Russia and Iran. Discoveries of oil reserves and agreements with international firms have bolstered his political standing.
His chief challenger in Thursday’s vote is Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old musician turned politician. Analysts expect Museveni to win, though attention has shifted to succession amid concerns about his health and the rapid rise of his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, now Uganda’s top military officer.
“The succession question overshadows the election,” Titeca said, while commentator Charles Onyango-Obbo noted the vote could shape Museveni’s next move. “This is less about the official results and more about the mood on the ground,” he said, adding that a political transition may still be distant: “Museveni is more frail now, but he is a workaholic… he will not leave even if he needs a walking stick.”
The Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council, Hon. Pirfa Tyem, has flagged off the distribution of instructional learning materials to 160 schools across the Local Government Area in a fresh drive to improve the quality of basic education.
The intervention, targeted at 142 public primary schools with additional support to selected private schools, provides essential classroom instructional aids such as number charts, weather charts, shapes, and other visual tools designed to enhance learning outcomes and strengthen classroom delivery.
Presenting the items on behalf of the Chairman, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Shalkur Haruna Mamdam, said the initiative was informed by identified gaps in teaching aids across public schools.
“We noticed that some of these teaching needs are not readily available for pupils,” he said. “The idea is to bring instructional materials directly into the classrooms so that pupils can see, touch, and experience learning first-hand—similar to what obtains in many private schools.”
Hon. Shalkur described the exercise as a fulfillment of a campaign promise by the Chairman, adding that the local government remains committed to strengthening foundational education systems.
“We are here to deliver on a promise. Promise made, promise kept is the conviction that drives this administration. Although we intended to deliver before resumption, doing so now remains timely and impactful,” he added.
Receiving the materials on behalf of the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), the Education Secretary, Mrs. Tabitha Wazhi, applauded the Chairman for what she described as consistent prioritization of basic education.
“This administration has shown uncommon commitment to the education sector, both in staff welfare and in making learning easier for pupils at the grassroots. These materials will go a long way in improving classroom delivery,” she stated.
Teachers and school heads across the Local Government equally expressed gratitude, describing the support as timely and essential. A classroom teacher, Changcit Selchak, and a Headmistress from Zamko, Changcit Selchum, highlighted the usefulness of the materials.
“These are exactly the materials we need in our classrooms. They will help our learners improve their understanding. We appreciate the Local Government Chairman for his focus on education and visible improvements in the Education Department,” they noted.
The gesture adds to the string of education-focused development efforts under Hon. Pirfa Tyem’s leadership, reaffirming his administration’s belief that quality education remains the foundation for sustainable growth and future progress in Langtang North.
Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Plateau State, describing the move as a clear demonstration of renewed federal commitment to tackling insecurity and strengthening national security architecture.
The Governor made this known on Sunday, January 11, 2026, during a Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service held at the Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral, Laranto, Jos North Local Government Area, to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Governor Mutfwang said the deployment of the Forest Guards would significantly enhance grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering, and complement ongoing military and security operations across Plateau State. He noted that the approval aligns with his administration’s efforts to secure rural communities and forested areas often exploited by criminal elements.
Describing the Armed Forces as the backbone of national peace and unity, the Governor paid glowing tribute to fallen and serving military personnel, stressing that their sacrifices remain invaluable to the nation’s survival. He also pledged continued advocacy for improved welfare for serving and retired officers, as well as sustained support for families of fallen heroes, particularly those from Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang added that the relative peace witnessed during the 2025 Christmas and New Year festivities was a testament to the dedication and sacrifices of security agencies operating across the state.
In his remarks, Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Colonel Adam Zumzhi (rtd), commended the Governor for his consistent support to veterans, describing retired servicemen and women as enduring ambassadors of peace.
Delivering the homily, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Reverend Matthew Ishaya Audu, urged Nigerians to embrace unity and collective responsibility, while offering prayers for security personnel deployed in various theatres of operation.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, described the Remembrance Day as a solemn occasion to honour the gallantry of fallen and living heroes who continue to safeguard the nation.
The Plateau State Government has announced the safe rescue of 25 children abducted in Zak, Sabon Layi community, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area. The children were freed through a coordinated security operation led by the Department of State Services (DSS) in collaboration with other security agencies.
The victims, who were travelling as a group to attend a Maulud celebration, were kidnapped on December 21, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m. along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road. According to reports, the abductors disguised as vigilante operatives before overpowering the children and whisking them to an undisclosed location.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, disclosed that 28 children were initially involved in the incident. Three escaped during the abduction, leaving 25 in captivity.
Arc. Jatau noted that the state government and security agencies worked tirelessly throughout the Christmas period to secure the release of the victims. “We are able to rescue some of our kidnapped children, about 25 of them in number, who were kidnapped on the 21st of December, if you recall, in Wase… at about 7 p.m. in the evening,” he stated.
He confirmed that the rescued children, comprising 19 males and six females, had undergone medical evaluations and were in stable condition, despite minor wounds sustained during prolonged trekking while in captivity.
The SSG appealed to the Wase Local Government Council to continue monitoring the children following their reunion with their families, highlighting the need for psychosomatic support to aid full emotional and physical recovery.
One of the victims, Mallam Husseini Musa, who serves as teacher to the abducted children, expressed gratitude to the state government and security operatives for what he described as a swift and coordinated intervention. He called for sustained community vigilance and security support to safeguard lives and property across Plateau State.
The press briefing was attended by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Pangiang Dafur; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong; and representatives of security agencies involved in the rescue operation.
Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, and Senior Correspondent of New Telegraph Newspaper, Jos, Mr. Pam Musa, ANIPR, has been named Journalist of the Year 2025 at the prestigious 11th Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA).
The honour, conferred by COA Media and the Organising Committee of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards, followed what organisers described as a transparent public nomination and rigorous selection process, culminating in Musa’s emergence as the top choice of a distinguished panel of jurors.
In a formal letter of conferment signed by Ambassador Cletus Akhimien, Principal Coordinating Executive of PMYA, the organisers said the award recognises Musa’s outstanding professionalism, ethical journalism, and far-reaching contributions to public enlightenment and media development in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
According to the organisers, Musa has, over the years, distinguished himself as a courageous, balanced and responsible journalist whose reports have consistently strengthened public trust in the media. His work as Senior Correspondent with New Telegraph Newspaper has amplified citizens’ voices, shaped public discourse and promoted accountability, while his leadership as Vice Chairman of NUJ, Plateau State Council, has advanced press freedom and the mentoring of young journalists.
The letter further noted that Musa’s recognition comes at a symbolic moment as Plateau State marks 50 years of growth and development, underscoring the critical role of the media in nation-building, democratic governance and social cohesion.
“The selection reflects widespread confidence in your integrity, impact and leadership within the media space,” the organisers stated, adding that the Plateau Man of the Year Awards was instituted to celebrate individuals whose excellence and service positively shape the state and inspire professional standards across sectors.
The Journalist of the Year Award 2025 will be formally presented to Pam Musa on 8th February, 2026, at the Usiju World Events Centre, Jos, alongside other distinguished personalities from different fields.
The latest honour further cements Musa’s standing as one of Plateau State’s most influential media professionals and a leading voice in responsible journalism in Nigeria.
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has announced an amended timetable for the 2026 local government elections, shifting key pre-election activities and reaffirming a new election date. The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, during a press briefing held on Thursday, January 9, 2026, at the Commission’s headquarters in Jos.
Cishak noted that the initial notice of election was issued on September 4, 2025, in line with Section 33(1) of the PLASIEC Law 2024. According to him, the adjustments were based on legal, administrative, and operational considerations aimed at ensuring a credible, inclusive, and well-coordinated electoral process.
Under the revised timetable, party primaries will now hold from Saturday, March 7 to Thursday, March 12, 2026, replacing the earlier schedule of January 12–30, 2026. Collection of nomination forms by political parties at the PLASIEC headquarters has also been shifted from February 2–6, 2026, to March 13–17, 2026, in accordance with Sections 34 and 35 of the PLASIEC Law 2024.
Submission of completed nomination forms will now take place between Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19, 2026, rather than the initial February 9–March 2 timeline, as provided under Section 35 of the PLASIEC Law and Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
The publication of personal particulars of candidates, earlier slated for March 7, will now be done on March 21, 2026, in line with Section 35(3) of the PLASIEC Law and Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act. The screening of chairmanship candidates and their running mates has been rescheduled from March 11–12 to March 23–24, 2026, while the screening of councillorship candidates will now take place from March 25–28, 2026, instead of March 13–16. All screenings will be conducted in compliance with Sections 39 and 42 of the PLASIEC Law.
Following the screenings, the publication of the list of cleared candidates will now be made on March 30, 2026, instead of March 19. Appeals will be received on March 31, and hearings concluded on April 1, 2026, as earlier provided under the law.
The final list of nominated candidates will be released on April 9, 2026, replacing the previous March 30 date, in line with Section 35 of the PLASIEC Law and Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act. Campaigns by political parties in public will officially commence on April 11, 2026, as against the earlier March 31 date, in compliance with Section 81 of the PLASIEC Law and Section 94 of the Electoral Act.
However, certain timelines remain unchanged. The last day for withdrawal or replacement of candidates by political parties remains May 30, 2026, while the replacement of withdrawn candidates will take place on June 13, followed by the screening, collection, and submission of substituted nomination forms between June 15 and June 17, 2026.
The publication of the official register of voters remains scheduled for July 21, 2026, while political parties are expected to submit names and addresses of polling agents to the Commission by August 12, 2026. The publication of the Notice of Poll will hold on August 17, 2026.
Campaigns will end by midnight on Monday, September 7, 2026, after which elections will be conducted across the 17 local government councils on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., in accordance with Section 33 of the PLASIEC Law 2024.
PLASIEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, urging political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and the media to cooperate toward ensuring peaceful and credible elections in 2026.
The Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) on Thursday convened key stakeholders for an engagement on the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act and its implications for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event, held at the Odilins Event Centre in Jos, brought together government agencies, business associations, private sector players, and development partners under the theme: “Understanding the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act: Implications for MSME Stakeholders.”
Speaking at the event, the Director General of PLASMIDA, Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, said the sensitization came at a strategic moment for the state’s business ecosystem.
“MSMEs remain the backbone of our economy, driving job creation, innovation and inclusive growth,” he said. “Clarity, fairness and predictability in taxation are essential for sustainable MSME development, and this is what the 2025 Tax Reform Act seeks to address.”
He explained that the engagement aims to help entrepreneurs understand their tax obligations and compliance requirements, adding that PLASMIDA remains committed to supporting MSMEs through access to finance, capacity building, and policy sensitization.
“We want our entrepreneurs to engage, ask questions, and position themselves for growth under the new reforms,” he added.
The State Manager of SMEDAN, Mr. Jonathan Janfa, challenged the widely held perception that Plateau State is a civil service–driven economy.
“Plateau is an entrepreneurial hub; only a fraction of our people work in the public sector,” he said. “Thousands are thriving in business and their success stories are growing daily.”
He noted that many entrepreneurs had expressed concerns about the 2025/2026 tax reforms, stressing that proper understanding would prevent misinformation and fear.
“When people understand the system, compliance improves and businesses adapt better,” Janfa added. “This engagement is coming at the right time and it will benefit MSMEs across the state.”
Representing the private sector, the Executive Director of PLACCIMA, Mr. Dauda Gashi, said reforms often cause uncertainty because of insufficient public sensitization.
“Taxation affects the private sector more than any other group,” Gashi stated. “Timely awareness ensures smoother implementation and reduces anxiety among business owners.”
He commended PLASMIDA for organizing one of the first sensitization engagements on the tax reforms in the state.
“This forum is a critical step toward reducing misconceptions,” he said. “We need more of these engagements to guide businesses through the transition and sustain economic growth.”
Highlights of the event included presentations on the key provisions of the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act by Victor Yakong, Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS/FIRS); expectations and administrative pathways for Plateau State by Paul Arin, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS); and streamlined enterprise registration and compliance procedures by Ibrahim Bala, State Manager Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The session also featured a panel discussion and open Q&A segment where participants asked questions and shared practical concerns.
The engagement concluded with a call for sustained collaboration between government agencies, private sector actors, and MSMEs to ensure that the reforms drive transparency, growth, and economic inclusion across Plateau State.
