Nigeria’s Plateau LG boss Soepding, bags award
Nigeria
A Local Government Chairman in northcentral Nigeria, Hon. Benard Alkali Soepding, has been honored with the prestigious Medals Excellence Award (MEXA 2025) as one of the Outstanding Local council Chairmen in the country.
Soepding is the LGA Chairman of Mikang a local community in Plateau State situated in northern Nigeria..
However, the conferment ceremony, which took place at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado District, Abuja, also featured the public launch of The Medals Magazine, a special publication profiling the awardees.
Presenting the award, Senator Napoleon Bali, former Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, commended the Chairman for his remarkable leadership, describing him as “a shining example of purposeful governance at the grassroots whose impact is felt not only in Mikang but across Plateau State and beyond.”
He urged other local government chairmen in Nigeria to emulate Dr. Soepding’s developmental initiatives and people-driven policies.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Medals Magazine, Mr. Ilesanmi Olayoriju, said the awards were instituted to spotlight leaders who are changing the face of grassroots governance across Nigeria. He praised Dr. Soepding for his record of service, consistency, and commitment to programs that directly touch lives at the grassroots level.
The event, which was well attended by Local Government Chairmen from across the country, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and development partners, also provided a platform for exchanging ideas on strengthening local governance and peacebuilding.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Dr. Soepding dedicated the honor to God Almighty, his family, and the good people of Mikang, reaffirming his resolve to continue delivering impactful governance, fostering unity, and ensuring that the voice of Mikang youth and citizens resonates strongly in the political space.
He further expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for providing an enabling environment and unwavering support to local government chairmen across the state.
He stressed that this milestone achievement would not have been possible without the Governor’s visionary leadership, adequate funding, and commitment to grassroots development. According to him, “the Governor’s passion for inclusive governance and his resolve to strengthen the local government system remain the driving force behind the successes we are recording today.”
A statement signed by Nkat Joseph Lakai, Head of Media and Publicity to the LG Chairman said that the Medals Excellence Award (MEXA) is one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for celebrating innovation, accountability, and transformational leadership at the grassroots.
The ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Rt. Hon. George Daika, former Member representing Mikang/Shendam/Qua’anpan Federal Constituency; Hon. Joe Bukar, Member representing Shendam State Constituency; the Council Secretary, Hon. Nankin Dafoum; and several other stakeholders who came in solidarity.
