By Nanyah Daman & David Kazi. 


The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt.Hon.Dr. Simon Bako Lalong KSGG, the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology,Abuja-Nigeria ,Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum and the member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanamand the Chairman House Committee on Navy in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi have all been bestowed with the "2021 Who is Who on the Plateau Merit Award of Excellence" during the public presentation and unveiling of the second edition of the book "Who is Who on the Plateau" at Crispan Hotel Jos on Wednesday 16th June, 2021. 



While Governor Lalong  bagged the award for his ability to attract Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam to Plateau State as well as other citadels of learning and his assistance in the appointment of Plateau sons and daughters into federal establishments, agencies, boards and parastatals; Hon. Yusuf Adamu Babayo Gagdi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Navy and the member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives and Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum, the Chief Executive Officer of the renowned Institute of Human Virology, Abuja-Nigeria who is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine in the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore USA bagged their awards in recognition of their contributions to their communities, exemplary leadership and selfless service to humanity.



Presenting the awards to the recipients, Chief Amb. Nanyah Andrew Daman (JP), Anipr, Jarumin Jat, the Group Managing Editor of The NewsGate Magazine and author of the book "Who is Who on the Plateau", said the awards introduces the "Who is Who on the Plateau Merit Awards", which will be an annual event of searching for personalities deserving to be recognized considering their contributions to their communities, Local Government Area, State, the nation at large in their chosen endeavours and vocations.



Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum, in his speech said that writing a book of this magnitude, that documents the notable achievements of eminent personalities on the Plateau who have impacted humanity and have done exploits in their various fields is not an easy task.


He commended the author for his resilience and passion in projecting Plateau State positively; adding that the book documents history and should be placed in the archives of all ministries, departments and agencies.


Dakum admonished all and sundry to strive to be amongst the who is who in their families, communities and wherever they find themselves by contributing positively to the growth, development and peace of their motherland; citing an example with Governor Simon Lalong, whom he described as the number one who is who in Nigeria as far as good governance is concerned.


Prof. Angela Miri, former Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja who was mother of the day at the occasion was full of praise for the author’s doggedness and commitment towards supporting and projecting Plateau sons and daughters positively.She said the author is doing exploits in the media industry to the extent that he has take over from the Nigerian Standard as far as disseminating factual, timely information in Plateau State is concerned.


She lamented the poor reading culture that has become the order of the day and emphasized the need for more writers to take the bull by the horn so as to adequately document every aspect of the history of the people of Plateau State.


Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Babayo Gagdi, member Representing Pankshin, Kanke & Kanam in the House of Representatives/ Chairman, House Committee on Navy in his remark emphasized the need for unity of Plateau State,which must achieve the desired level of development and regain its lost glory.


Represented by Barr. Luka Panpe, Gagdi who is the chief launcher at the event thanked the author and NewsGate Communications Limited for honouring him, saying that the award will spur him to do more for the people of his constituency, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Prof Danjuma John Mawak, the Director of Academic Planning of Karl Kum University representing Prof Nanven  Audu Gambo,the  Vice Chancellor of the Karl Kum University reviewed the book. He pointed out that the book Who is Who on the Plateau is a must read for the over four million people in the State. He urged everyone to pick a copy for their libraries. 


Dr Victor Kuchili,the second book reviewer said the 313 page book is very rich in the history of the Home of Peace and Tourism. He further disclosed that the book highlights the cultural festivals and diversity of the people of Plateau. He advised that the book is a must read and therefore recommends that each should buy two copies, one for himself or herself, while the second should be for a neighbour or friend. 


Barr Kwamkur Samuel, representing the Provost of the Federal College of Education Pankshin, Dr Amos Bulus Cirfat and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission,Rev Dr Yakubu Pam described the author of the book Who is Who on the Plateau, Chief Amb Nanyah Andrew Daman as a very hardworking, discipline, resourceful and visionary personality. He described the book as a way important part of our history. 


There were goodwill messages from the representatives of, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam, the Vice Chancellor, Karl Kum University, Prof. Nanven Gambo,the General Manager of JMDB, TPL Kefas John  Yilrwang, Prof. Patricia Lar.


You will recall we launched the first Edition of the book "Who is Who on the Plateau " was launched at the Hill Station Hotel in 2005. The purpose of the compendium is to educate, inform and entertain generation yet unborn of those heroes past, that fought to defend their heritage and make Plateau the Home of Peace and Tourism, that it today. 


The 313-page book, speaks about the origin of Plateau, occupants of Plateau, ethnic nationalities of Plateau, population structure and distribution of Plateau, Social Infrastructure of Plateau (ie Education, Health Services, Electricity, Transportation Communication, Air, Road etc). 

The book also listed the cultural festivals of Plateau, the people, government, traditional rulers, districts, tribes and languages of Plateau, climate, tourist attractions, hotels and Jos City centre amongst many others.