In the quiet setting of her residence in Jos, Plateau State, Laylah Ali Othman speaks with a conviction that reflects both admiration and purpose. The CEO of the Gagdi Foundation and wife of Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi does not just see Plateau as a place—she sees it as a land of promise, strength, and untold stories waiting to be shared.

“Plateau is a beautiful city,” she says, her voice calm but assured. “The land is green. Whatever you plant grows here.” She gestures toward her surroundings, even pointing out apple trees she has personally planted—thriving, she notes, as a symbol of the region’s fertility and potential.

But beyond the lush landscape, it is the people—especially the women—that have captured her heart.

In a media chat, Othman painted a vivid picture of the Plateau woman: resilient, industrious, and self-reliant. Unlike what she describes as the norm in parts of the far North where she hails from—where women often stay at home—she says Plateau women have carved out a different narrative for themselves.

“They don’t wait for men to provide,” she explains. “They go out, they farm, they sell, they even work as labourers at construction sites. It’s inspiring.”

Her admiration is unmistakable. For Othman, these women are not just surviving—they are building lives with dignity and determination. She contrasts them with those who, in her words, “waste their lives,” stressing the importance of celebrating hard work and self-reliance.

“The Plateau woman needs to be spotlighted,” she insists. “When we celebrate them, more women will be encouraged to follow that path.”

She speaks passionately about economic empowerment, urging stakeholders to look beyond the surface. According to her, the transformation potential is enormous.

“Imagine a woman earning just ₦2,000 a day from carrying logs. Imagine what she could do with ₦1 million. Their hands are blessed,” she says, underscoring her belief in grassroots enterprise and the impact of targeted support.

Beyond individual success stories, Othman is also concerned about the broader image of Plateau State. She challenges the dominance of negative narratives, often shaped by outsiders, and calls for a shift in perspective.

“The media is powerful. We see how countries like America and France promote their good sides, and we believe it,” she notes. “We need to tell our own stories—the good things happening here, not just the bad.”

She emphasizes unity across ethnic and religious lines, highlighting the everyday cooperation among residents as a strength that deserves amplification.

“We do business together. We live together. We must not allow people outside Jos to define us with only negative stories,” she says. “If we work together, we will all prosper.”

That vision is not just rhetorical. Othman revealed plans to launch a new project in Jos aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. While details remain under wraps, she hinted at a significant impact.

At the same time, she announced an ongoing rebranding of the Gagdi Foundation, with a renewed focus on women, girls, and vulnerable groups across the state.

Her closing words carry both pride and commitment: “I believe in Plateau, and I love and support the Plateau women.”

In a region often defined by its challenges, Laylah Othman is choosing to spotlight its strength—one story, one woman, and one opportunity at a time.