Alfred Dapal Damiyal (ADD) is a seasoned energy executive, entrepreneur, and reform-driven political leader with more than 27 years’ experience delivering results in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His career demonstrates a consistent pattern of leadership, technical competence, and strategic decision-making in complex environments.
With this depth of experience, he brings a practical understanding of governance, resource management, and institutional coordination qualities increasingly seen as essential for addressing Plateau State’s evolving challenges.
ROOTED IN HERITAGE AND GUIDED BY VALUES
Born on September 10, 1971, in Mangun, Plateau State, ADD comes from the respected family of His Royal Highness, Da Ali Dapal Damiyal, the late Mishkaham Mwaghavul. His upbringing was shaped by strong values of discipline, integrity, and service principles that continue to define his approach to leadership and public life.
A committed Christian and member of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), he is married to Mrs Patricia Dapal, and they have four children. His personal life reflects stability and a strong sense of responsibility, which he extends into his professional and public engagements.
STRONG ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION
ADD’s academic journey demonstrates a strong foundation in science and technical expertise. He began his early education at Baptist Primary School in Mangu and later attended Gindiri Boys Secondary School, where he obtained his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). He holds a B.Sc. in Geology and Mining from the University of Jos, as well as an M.Sc. and a PhD (in view) in Sedimentology from the University of Calabar.
In addition to his formal education, he has undertaken specialised training in petroleum exploration, production, and management in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This combination of academic depth and international exposure has shaped his analytical approach to problem-solving and policy thinking.
A CAREER DEFINED BY RESPONSIBILITY AND RESULTS
Throughout his career, ADD has held senior roles in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, managing high-value operations within joint-venture frameworks and complex regulatory environments. His experience includes overseeing multi-billion-dollar projects, ensuring compliance, and driving efficiency in demanding environments.
Colleagues and industry observers often note his ability to balance technical precision with strategic oversight, which translates well into governance and public administration.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION
Beyond his corporate career, ADD has demonstrated a strong commitment to enterprise development. As Chairman of the Restim Group, he leads a diversified portfolio spanning transportation, manufacturing, and mechanised agriculture.
These ventures have created employment for over 100 Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, contributing to livelihoods and local economic activity. His involvement in agriculture and small-scale industry reflects a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Plateau’s economy.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SOCIAL IMPACT
ADD’s engagement extends beyond business and professional life into community service. Through the Tabitha Grateful Heart Foundation, he has supported initiatives to assist vulnerable populations, promote empowerment, and encourage inclusive development.
This aspect of his work highlights a broader commitment to social responsibility and the belief that leadership should translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
NOT A NEW ENTRANT: A CONSISTENT PARTICIPANT IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
ADD is not a new entrant in Plateau politics. He actively participated in the 2022 governorship primaries under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demonstrating both his interest in public service and his willingness to engage through established democratic processes.
His continued involvement reflects persistence, experience, and a growing familiarity with the political landscape. It also signals a long-term commitment rather than a one-time ambition.
A CLEAR AND PRACTICAL VISION FOR PLATEAU
As a governorship aspirant for 2027, ADD presents a reform-oriented agenda anchored in his guiding philosophy of NEW THINKING, a call for more deliberate, proactive, and people-centred governance.
His vision focuses on addressing key areas critical to Plateau State’s development, including:
Strengthening security through coordinated institutional action and community engagement
Driving economic growth through diversification, agriculture, and enterprise support
Expanding employment opportunities, particularly for young people
Promoting transparency, accountability, and trust in governance
Building unity and cooperation across Plateau’s diverse communities
His approach emphasises not just policy formulation, but effective implementation and measurable outcomes.
CONCLUSION: EXPERIENCE, CONSISTENCY, AND READINESS TO LEAD
Alfred Dapal Damiyal (ADD) stands at the intersection of professional experience, entrepreneurial capacity, and political engagement. His background provides him with both the technical understanding and leadership exposure required to navigate the complexities of governance.
As Plateau State looks toward 2027, his profile presents a combination of experience, consistency, and preparedness qualities that position him as a serious contender in the conversation about the state’s future.
Nigeria’s Christiana Ogunsanya has secured the country’s first medal at the ongoing 2026 Ulaanbaatar Open Ranking Series in Mongolia after winning bronze in the women’s 53kg category.
Ogunsanya delivered a spirited performance to defeat Mongolia’s Otgontuya Bayanmunkh 6-6 on criteria in the bronze medal bout on Friday, handing Team Nigeria its first podium finish at the prestigious United World Wrestling Ranking Series event.
The Nigerian wrestler showed resilience throughout the competition, battling against a strong international field that included top athletes from Asia and Europe.
Her bronze medal finish marks another important milestone for Nigerian wrestling on the global stage.
The women’s 53kg gold medal was won by DPR Korea’s Kyong Ryong Oh, who defeated Japan’s Moe Kiyooka 10-6 in the final, while Romania’s Andreea Ana claimed the second bronze medal in the category.
Ogunsanya’s achievement comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen its reputation in international wrestling competitions, especially in women’s wrestling where the country has consistently produced world-class talents.
At the Ulaanbaatar Open, India emerged as one of the standout nations in women’s wrestling, winning gold medals through Manisha in the 57kg category and Neha in the 59kg division, while DPR Korea also secured multiple titles.
The Ulaanbaatar Open Ranking Series is one of the major international wrestling tournaments sanctioned by United World Wrestling, attracting elite wrestlers from across the world as they prepare for upcoming global championships.
Hoffman was on Microsoft’s board when it invested its first $1 billion into OpenAI in 2019. Hoffman was one of OpenAI’s original investors and served on the model maker’s board until he stepped down in 2023, citing too many potential conflicts of interest to continue. He was also on Microsoft’s board when the tech giant entered into one of those non-acquisition, acqui-hire deals for $650 million with his AI startup Inflection AI. Microsoft hired Inflection co-founder Mustafa Suleyman through that deal.
Hoffman said on a recent episode of his “Possible” podcast, while talking with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, that he’s ready to go “founder mode” with his latest AI startup, Manus. Manus is a drug discovery company that raised over $50 million through a couple of seed rounds last year. Hoffman is an investor, as is General Catalyst.
Hoffman is cited as a co-founder of Manus and chairman of the board, not the CEO, though. That job belongs to Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, a physician, biologist, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the 2011 book “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.”
Still, Hoffman said he’s excited to give Manus more attention.
“One of the things I realized over the last month was that, we’re seeing such progress with Manus. I need to get back to founder mode,” he said. He believes the startup is making progress on “Move 37” AI, meaning AI that supersedes human creativity in chemistry, especially to combat various cancers, he added.