News
Plateau Government Celebrates Creative Excellence, Rewards Winners at Maiden ‘Sing for Plateau’ Competition
The Plateau State Government, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Creativity and Entertainment, Barr. Ezra Jinang, in collaboration with major brands and partners, successfully hosted the maiden edition of the highly anticipated “Sing for Plateau” competition. The initiative brought together talented musicians, digital content creators, poets, and dancers from across the state in a celebration of creativity, innovation, and culture. The event served as a platform to discover, promote, and showcase emerging talents while highlighting the rich cultural heritage and creative potential of Plateau State.
Held at the prestigious USIJU Event World Centre in Jos, the competition attracted a large audience comprising government officials, entertainment stakeholders, creative industry practitioners, and supporters of the arts. Contestants thrilled spectators with exceptional performances, originality, and artistic excellence, creating an atmosphere of excitement and healthy competition.
The process of selecting winners was rigorous and transparent, involving multiple stages of evaluation. Participants submitted original two-to-three-minute audio, video, dance, and poetry entries through digital platforms, with all content focused on promoting the positive image and cultural heritage of Plateau State. Entries were screened by the organizing committee and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Creativity and Entertainment for originality, creativity, and relevance to the theme. Shortlisted finalists were subsequently assessed by an independent panel of expert judges who evaluated the technical quality, creativity, and overall impact of each performance.
Following the final rounds of assessment and live performances, winners emerged across the four competition categories which included Digital content creation :Saga Media secured first position, while Gladys Mama of Doya and Aisha Abdulsalam came second and third respectively.
In the Dance Category, Royal DC emerged winner, followed by Diamond DC in second place and Lepsie Star in third place.
The Spoken Word/Poetry Category saw Word Priest claim first position, with Pages and Word Diva finishing second and third respectively.
In the Music Category, Mic Fix emerged overall winner, while United Plateau and Ben Heavens secured second and third positions
Each category winner goes home with whooping sum of One Million Naira, First runner up Two hundred thousand naira while second runner up goes home with hundred thousand naira..
Other participants were recognized with Certificates of Participation in appreciation of their contributions to the success of the competition.
Speaking at the event, Barr. Ezra Jinang commended all contestants for their dedication, creativity, and outstanding performances. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Plateau State Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, talent development, and the creation of sustainable opportunities within the creative and entertainment sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue supporting platforms that nurture talent and contribute to economic growth through the creative industry.
Representing the Plateau State Government, Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo presented awards and prizes to the winners and participants. She congratulated all the winners and applauded every contestant for demonstrating the immense talent that exists within Plateau State. According to her, the administration remains committed to supporting youth development, creativity, and innovation as critical drivers of sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Beyond the competition, the event also provided an opportunity to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of Plateau State’s creative and entertainment industry. Special recognition awards were presented to distinguished personalities including Dr. Panam Percy Paul, Nde Dantala Dewan, Pastor Miss Dorcas Bentu, Dr. Sani Mu’azu, Mr. Jethro Mark Da’ar, and several others for their dedication, leadership, and invaluable contributions to the advancement of arts, culture, and entertainment on the Plateau and beyond.
Stakeholders described the maiden edition of “Sing for Plateau” as a major milestone in the state’s creative journey, expressing optimism that the initiative will become an annual platform for discovering and nurturing talents, strengthening the entertainment industry, and positioning Plateau State as a leading hub for creative excellence in Nigeria.
The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, says the party is in the 2027 election race to win and not to make numbers.
Baba-Ahmed made this statement at a strategic retreat organised for the party's leadership and candidates.
He charged the party's candidates to go out and convince Nigerians that PRP deserves their trust and their votes in 2027.
According to him, the party has the best presidential candidate in Donald Duke, adding that history and character have moulded him to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges to a deserved status of affluence, security and unity.
He also said that Duke's running mate, Malam Sule Mohammed, is a study in principled loyalty, excellence in personal and professional life and unparalleled humility, which is tragically rare in current leaders.
Baba-Ahmed said the party also has governorship candidates who will be models of competent leadership, integrity and courage, stressing that they are candidates who will embody service, sacrifice and humility.
"We are PRP. We're in the 2027 race to win not to make numbers. We are products of a great tradition which insists that Nigeria can be great enough for all those who work honestly, and a nation which has the same place for the weak and the vulnerable as it has for those who are trusted with power or possess wealth," Baba-Ahmed said.
According to him, the party is under no illusions that its tasks will be easy, stating that the party will be competing in very hostile environments where incumbents fear change, while PRP champions it.
He said the party will find resistance from politicians who bribe the people for their future, while PRP asks for trust and the courage to choose quality and integrity.
On his part, the party's presidential candidate, Donald Duke, took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying it is enjoying too much advantage when it comes to campaign visibility.
According to him, opposition parties are finding it hard to get venues and places to put their adverts as the 2027 elections draw near.
He said the problem is making it harder and harder for opposition candidates to reach voters in different parts of the country.
Nigerian female tennis umpire, Rose Onoja Abu, has earned recognition after officiating at the WTA 125 tournament in Luanda, Angola, marking a significant milestone in her professional career and another proud moment for Nigerian tennis.
Sports247 reports that the tournament made history as the first-ever WTA 125 event to be staged on African soil, bringing an important international women’s tennis competition to the continent. Abu’s involvement as an official at the landmark event further highlights Nigeria’s growing presence beyond the playing court in international tennis.
Her appointment and participation represent an encouraging achievement for Nigerian sports officiating, particularly for women working to establish themselves in the highly competitive world of international tennis administration.
Officiating at a tournament of this level requires professionalism, consistency, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the rules of the game. Abu’s presence at the Luanda event reflects the value of dedication and sustained commitment to developing a career in sports officiating.
The achievement also provides inspiration for aspiring Nigerian umpires and other sports professionals, demonstrating that opportunities at the highest levels can emerge through discipline, diligence and continuous improvement.
For Nigerian tennis, milestones such as this are important in showcasing the contributions of officials who help drive the sport forward, often away from the spotlight enjoyed by players.
While the WTA 125 assignment represents a significant step in Abu’s journey, it could also serve as a platform for greater opportunities on the international stage.
With consistency and continued dedication, the ambition of seeing a Nigerian umpire officiate at a Grand Slam tournament remains a possibility worth pursuing.
Congratulations to Rose Onoja Abu on this remarkable achievement. The journey continues, and a Grand Slam appearance could be the next milestone.
-
News1 day agoTroops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Neutralise Two Terrorists in Plateau
-
News2 days ago
Makinde Visits COCIN Headquarters in Jos, Urges Christians to Shape Nigeria’s Political Future
-
News4 days ago
Presidency seeks AI safeguards ahead of 2027 elections – Technology Times
-
News3 days ago
Sequoia shutting down its Scouts program marks the end of an era
