The Tiv community in Adamawa State, operating under the umbrella of Mzough U Tiv Adamawa State (MUTAS), has honoured prominent community leader and builder, Bldr. Martin Terna Gyado, in recognition of his sustained contributions to community unity, cultural preservation, and grassroots mobilisation across the state.
The recognition formed a major highlight of the 2026 Tiv Day Celebration held at Ribadu Square in Jimeta, Yola on the 14th of November,2026. The event brought together traditional rulers, socio-cultural leaders, government officials, and members of the Tiv diaspora residing in Adamawa State and neighbouring Benue State.
Leaders at the gathering commended Bldr. Gyado for his tireless dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between the Tiv community and their host communities in Adamawa State. Speakers noted that his leadership has consistently bridged divides, strengthened socio-cultural ties, and provided steady support for Tiv indigenes living and working in the state.
In addition to his professional work in the built environment as Federal Controller Housing,Adamawa state, Bldr. Gyado serves as the Adamawa State Coordinator of Divine Mandate Worldwide
Other personalities honoured at the event include Prof Ibrahim Umar,the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University,Yola, ESV Godwin Tyoachimin,a former Gubernatorial aspirant in Benue and Engr Barnabas Myaornyi, Regional Controller North West Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
The celebration attracted several notable personalities, including the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, PhD, who led a delegation from Benue State representing His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue state,Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia to Yola to celebrate with the community. Also present were traditional leaders led by the Ter Tiv Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Chief Urbanus Ukor-Ture, alongside executives of Mzough U Tiv Adamawa State, youth groups, and women’s associations.
The President of MUTAS,
Bldr Dr Iorwuese Anum stated that the honour bestowed upon Bldr. Gyado reflects the community’s appreciation for individuals who selflessly invest their time, resources, and influence into uplifting their people and projecting the rich heritage of the Tiv nation in positive light.
In his response, Bldr. Martin Terna Gyado expressed deep gratitude to Mzough U Tiv Adamawa State, the traditional council, and the entire Tiv community for the recognition. He dedicated the honour to the collective resilience and unity of the Tiv people in Adamawa State.
“This recognition is a call to greater service,” Bldr. Gyado remarked. “Our strength lies in our unity, our respect for our host communities, and our shared commitment to progress. I remain dedicated to working alongside our traditional and community leaders to ensure that the Tiv community continues to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the peace and development of Adamawa State.”
The ceremony featured vibrant displays of traditional Tiv music, cultural dances, and goodwill messages from partner socio-cultural organisations, marking a memorable milestone for the Tiv community in Adamawa State.
