PMYA 2025 Winners Reflect the Will of the People as Awards Ceremony Holds in Joy and Unity
By: Labaran Ahmed
The 11th edition of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA), a special Golden Jubilee celebration marking 50 years of Plateau State’s creation, brought together leaders across politics, governance, media, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and civil society in a ceremony widely described as peaceful, credible, and reflective of the people’s voice.
Held at the Usiju World Events Centre, the awards recognised individuals and institutions whose contributions have significantly shaped development and public service in Plateau State and beyond.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda: Plateau Man of the Year 2025
Former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, emerged as the Plateau Man of the Year 2025. The award recognises his far-reaching contributions to political leadership, youth and women empowerment, agricultural advancement, healthcare advocacy, and support for vulnerable groups. Organisers described his leadership as inclusive, reform-oriented, and aligned with the ideals of Plateau’s Golden Jubilee vision.
Hon. Ephraim Usman Gar: Governance & Leadership Excellence Award
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman Gar, was honoured for strengthening grassroots governance and deepening collaboration between local councils and traditional institutions, enhancing administrative efficiency and civic trust.
Hon. Joshua Laven Ubandoma: Commissioner of the Year 2025
Commissioner for Works, Joshua Laven Ubandoma, received recognition for advancing infrastructure development through road construction, urban renewal, and connectivity expansion across the state.
Hon. Cornelius Dongnaan Doeyok: Excellence in Tourism, Culture & Leadership Award
Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Cornelius Dongnaan Doeyok, was recognised for repositioning Plateau State as a competitive tourism and cultural destination through strategic promotion and stakeholder engagement.
Sen. Simon Mwadkwon: Outstanding Political Personality of the Year
Former Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, was honoured for his legislative leadership and contributions to democratic governance and political stability.
Dr. Bere Gyang: Media Personality of the Year 2025
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Bere Gyang, received the Media Personality of the Year Award for strategic communication leadership and strengthening government-citizen engagement.
Pam Musa: Journalist of the Year 2025
Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Chapter, Pam Musa, was recognised for professionalism, ethical reporting, and impactful journalism that promotes accountability.
Shabul Mazadu: Publisher of the Year 2025
Publisher of The Beacon Newspaper, Shabul Mazadu, was honoured for advancing responsible journalism, public enlightenment, and issue-driven storytelling that strengthens democracy and civic participation.
Hon. Lapching Golime: Outstanding Local Government Chairman for Infrastructure & Rural Development
Executive Chairman of Kanke LGA, Lapching Golime, was recognised for infrastructure delivery and rural development initiatives that improved community access and economic activities.
Hon. Silas Patrick Dung: Best Performing Local Government Chairman of the Year
Executive Chairman of Jos South LGA, Silas Patrick Dung, was honoured for administrative reforms, ICT-driven service delivery, and urban governance improvements.
PLASCHEMA: Public Institution of the Year 2025
The Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) was recognised for expanding health insurance coverage and strengthening healthcare financing reforms in Plateau State.
Dr. Godwin Okoko: Peace Advocacy & Community Impact Award
Executive Director of Bege Foundation, Godwin Okoko, was honoured for advancing dialogue, civic engagement, and grassroots peacebuilding initiatives.
Corp Commander Elizabeth Usen-Ameh: CSR & Corporate Innovation Excellence Award
Elizabeth Usen-Ameh received recognition for healthcare innovation, nursing leadership, and impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
AbdulRashid Sani Waziri: Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
CEO of VELS Clothing, AbdulRashid Sani Waziri, was honoured for contributions to creative enterprise, youth empowerment, and indigenous fashion development.
The atmosphere throughout the ceremony was peaceful, dignified, and celebratory. Many attendees expressed that the selection of awardees reflected public sentiment and genuine contributions to society.
As Plateau State marks five decades of existence, the 11th PMYA stands as a testament to excellence, service, and leadership rooted in community impact.