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 in Jos, for their outstanding contributions to leadership, service and development in Plateau State.
Those recognised included the 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 Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Naomi Gadzama; and Hon. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor.
The highlight of the ceremony was the emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as the Plateau Man of the Year, as the event celebrated excellence, legacy and transformative impact across generations.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of COA Media and organiser of the awards, Ambassador Cletus Akhimien, said the Plateau Man of the Year Awards were instituted to honour men and women who are contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Plateau State and society at large. He noted that the 2025 edition was particularly significant as it coincides with Plateau State’s 50th anniversary, adding that the awards celebrate individuals who have made the state proud 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 golden jubilee as a time for reflection and renewal. He stressed that leadership is about service and results, not titles, and urged leaders and citizens to embrace ethical governance, unity and measurable impact as the state looks to the next 50 years.
The event 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, a donation of ₦5 million was made on his behalf for the purchase of 10 copies, with other stakeholders also pledging support.
Receiving a Posthumous Award for Democracy and Nation Building on behalf of the family of the late Solomon Lar, Prof. Mary Lar thanked the organisers for recognising his enduring legacy, describing him as a leader committed to service, unity and good governance, and called on Plateau State to preserve and celebrate his contributions for future generations.
Also speaking, Ambassador Godwin Okoko, Executive Director of Bege Foundation and awardee for Peace Advocacy and Community Impact, commended the organisers for their consistency and urged future editions to recognise more grassroots and community stakeholders whose efforts often go unnoticed, while pledging support for Eminence Magazine.
Mrs. Naomi Gadzama, CEO of Usiju World Event Centre, who won CEO of the Year while her facility was named Best Event Centre of the Year 2025, described the awards as well-deserved and encouraged the organisers to sustain the initiative.
Vice Chairman of the Plateau State NUJ and Best Journalist of the Year, Mr. Pam Musa, dedicated his award to journalists across the state and called on media practitioners to continue promoting peace, development and responsible reporting.
Other award recipients at the ceremony 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 and several others, all recognised for their exceptional leadership, service and community impact in Plateau State.
