Three prominent sons of Plateau State—late J.D. Gwomwalk, Solomon Lar, and GNS Pwajok—were posthumously honoured at the 11th edition of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards, as 50 distinguished personalities across various fields received honours for their contributions to the development of the state.
The prestigious event, held at the Osuji Event Centre over the weekend, coincided with the commemoration of Plateau State at 50, adding historical significance to the ceremony. The Plateau Man of the Year Awards is a celebrated annual event that attracts people from diverse walks of life, including political leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, media practitioners, and cultural icons.
Speaking at the event, the convener, Ambassador Cletus Akhime—who also leads the Face of Plateau Pageant, Plateau Peace Summit, and the Cletus Akhime Foundation—expressed gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their overwhelming support. He described the massive turnout as a show of solidarity and unity.
According to him, the initiative is driven by faith in God and a deep commitment to promoting the Plateau dream, noting that the project is not about personal recognition but about projecting Plateau State positively to the global community.
“This project is not about me but about Plateau State. It is our little contribution towards placing Plateau on the global map and letting the world know that we are a peaceful people with a rich cultural heritage,” Akhime said.
He further called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support the Face of Plateau Pageant, describing it as an initiative designed to empower the girl child and nurture young talent across the state.
Ambassador Akhime emphasized the importance of celebrating excellence, stressing that individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Plateau State should be recognised while they are still alive.
“This is the 11th edition of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards. The first two editions were not rosy, but we remained committed to the vision of celebrating those who are contributing immensely to the progress and development of Plateau State. We give glory to God that this edition coincides with the 50th anniversary of Plateau State,” he added.
Among the posthumous award recipients were late J.D. Gwomwalk, Solomon Lar, and GNS Pwajok, whom the organisers described as foundational figures whose contributions remain central to the political and socio-economic development of Plateau State.
Other award recipients included Nanle Silas Longsan, honoured as Digital and Online Media Influencer of the Year; Abdurasheed Sani Waziri, named Entrepreneur of the Year 2025; and Queen Stephenie Verat Joseph, who received the Outstanding Model Award.
Jay FM emerged as Best Radio Station of the Year, while Arin Izere won Artist of the Year. Pam Musa was honoured as Journalist of the Year, and Mr. Shabul Mazadu received the Best Publisher of the Year award.
Additional honourees included Dr. Gyang Bere, Director of Press to the Governor of Plateau State; Senator Simon Mwatwon; Hon. Ubandoma Laven; the Commissioner for Works; and the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, among others.
The ceremony attracted thousands of Plateau indigenes and residents, including politicians, academics, entrepreneurs, media professionals, and community leaders, who described the event as a unifying platform to celebrate excellence, peace, and the enduring legacy of Plateau State.