News
ALFRED DAPAL DAMIYAL (ADD): AN EXPERIENCED CONTENDER FOR PLATEAU 2027
A SEASONED LEADER WITH PROVEN CAPACITY
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.
#Sponsoted
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says African nations must take their rightful place in controlling the continent’s resources and global trade.
Shettima spoke on Friday in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, during a tour and assessment of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ).
He said Africa must maximise its vast natural endowments by developing industries capable of processing raw materials into higher-value products.
The vice-president said Nigeria’s renewed industrialisation drive would leave no region behind, with the Federal Government working alongside subnational governments.
He expressed satisfaction with Benin’s efforts to achieve mass production and export of locally sourced resources.
Shettima regretted that Africa benefits from only about one per cent of the global cotton industry, valued at 370 billion dollars.
He said reviving Nigeria’s textile value chain could create millions of jobs, boost non-oil exports and stimulate economic activities nationwide.
The vice-president expressed his satisfaction after inspecting cotton, textile, cashew and soya bean oil production facilities at the industrial zone.
“We are here essentially at the behest of President Tinubu, in the spirit of his Renewed Hope Agenda, to see and peer-review global best practices,” he said.
Shettima said the visit would help Nigeria learn from Benin’s experience in creating integrated value chains for cotton, cashew and soya bean.
“We are setting up eight agro-industrial zones in eight states in our country,” he said.
He added that the GDIZ represented “an African success story where there is a whole chain of value addition in cotton, cashew and soya bean value chains.
“Be rest assured that we have learnt a lot of lessons through this visit, and we are going to replicate a lot of that in Nigeria.”
He said the Federal Government remained focused on making Nigeria one of the world’s industrialised nations under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The vice president was briefed on GDIZ’s structure, production capacity and investment potential by Benin’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade.
The delegation inspected integrated textile and agro-processing facilities, where locally produced cotton is transformed into yarn, fabric and finished garments.
It also toured facilities processing cashew and other agricultural commodities for domestic consumption and export.
The visit formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to draw practical lessons from Benin’s success in linking agriculture with manufacturing.
It also focused on attracting private investment and transforming raw materials into higher-value finished products.
Shettima was accompanied by the governors of Kwara, Imo, Katsina, Plateau, Zamfara and Jigawa States.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
News
BREAKING: Nigeria’s Golden Grip Tightens! Riluwan Idris Powers to Heavyweight Gold as Team Nigeria’s Medal Haul Rises to Six in Glasgow
Team Nigeria’s dominance in para powerlifting at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continued in spectacular fashion on Friday night as Riluwan Idris powered his way to a magnificent gold medal in the Men’s Heavyweight event, extending Nigeria’s remarkable run at the SEC Armadillo.
Idris produced a commanding display throughout the competition, finishing with 132.8 points to clinch the Commonwealth title ahead of England’s Matthew Harding, who settled for silver with 131.0 points. Malaysia’s Nicodemus Manggoi Moses completed the podium with 120.3 points, while India’s Sudhir, the defending Commonwealth champion, finished fourth on 114.1 points.
Read Also: Just-In: Boxing Setback for Team Nigeria as Abdulwahab Crashes Out After Defeat to Uganda’s Batte
The Nigerian strongman kept his composure under pressure, delivering when it mattered most to hand Team Nigeria yet another memorable victory in what has become an extraordinary opening day of competition.
Sports247, reporting from Glasgow, witnessed jubilant celebrations inside the SEC Armadillo as Nigerian coaches, teammates and supporters erupted after Idris was confirmed as the new Commonwealth champion. The victory further underlined Nigeria’s reputation as the undisputed powerhouse of Commonwealth para powerlifting—a status the nation has built over the years with consistent medal-winning performances.
Idris’ triumph came just hours after Folashade Oluwafemiayo shattered the world record to win the Women’s Heavyweight title, with Rita Ferdinand claiming silver. Earlier in the day, Esther Nworgu won gold with a Commonwealth Games record in the Women’s Lightweight event, Esther Oyema added silver, while Roland Ezuruike also secured silver in the Men’s Lightweight competition.
The latest success means Team Nigeria has now collected an astonishing six medals from para powerlifting alone on the opening day, once again proving why the country remains the benchmark in the sport at the Commonwealth Games.
Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting – Final Standings
🥇 Riluwan Idris (Nigeria) – 132.8 points
🥈 Matthew Harding (England) – 131.0 points
🥉 Nicodemus Manggoi Moses (Malaysia) – 120.3 points
4️⃣ Sudhir (India) – 114.1 points
5️⃣ Tahiru Haruna (Ghana) – 112.0 points
DNF Bryan Junency Gustin (Malaysia)
Team Nigeria medal table – Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Medal Total
🥇 Gold 3
🥈 Silver 3
🥉 Bronze 0
Total 6
Nigeria’s medal winners
🥇 Riluwan Idris – Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting (132.8 points)
🥇 Folashade Oluwafemiayo – Women’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting (World Record)
🥈 Rita Ferdinand – Women’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting (World Record)
🥇 Esther Nworgu – Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting (Commonwealth Games Record)
🥈 Esther Oyema – Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting
🥈 Roland Ezuruike – Men’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting
Sports247 Medal Watch
🥇 Gold: 3
🥈 Silver: 3
🥉 Bronze: 0
Overall: 6 medals
With three gold medals already secured and several medal events still to come, Team Nigeria has made an emphatic statement on the opening day in Glasgow, taking significant strides toward the National Sports Commission’s target of 16 to 20 gold medals. Sports247 will continue to bring readers breaking news, exclusive interviews and live reports as Nigeria’s pursuit of Commonwealth glory gathers momentum.
-
News4 days agoGagdi Hails Tinubu’s Infrastructure Drive as Babban Lamba–Sharam Road Project Begins in Plateau
-
News3 days ago
EFCC Clears NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nandap in Visa Fraud Investigation
-
News3 days ago
2027: Atiku, Obi, others should back Tinubu, opposition dead – Abubakar, Fasola
-
Business10 hours ago
Lingzhi Global Champions Coffee Culture at Jos Awareness Campaign
