The 2025 Enchanting Plateau Exhibition opened on Monday at Odilins Event Center, Jos, with renewed excitement as artists, cultural figures, and creatives from across the state converged for a week-long celebration of Plateau’s rich heritage.
With the theme “One,” this year’s edition reinforces the exhibition’s mission of uniting communities through art, promoting tourism, and strengthening cultural identity.
Delivering the opening address, Chuwang Pwajok described the exhibition as an evolving cultural force in Plateau State. He noted that Enchanting Plateau has grown beyond a gathering of artists to become “a platform for societal reflection, pride, and healing.” According to him, the creative works showcased mirror the resilience, diversity, and communal spirit that define the state.
Pwajok commended the young artists whose pieces capture narratives of unity, beauty, struggle, and hope, adding that their creativity remains a vital tool for shaping Plateau’s cultural future. He expressed confidence that the exhibition is emerging as a signature event that deserves continuous support and expansion.
Founder of the exhibition, David Thomas, followed with a deeply emotional speech that set the tone for the ceremony. He said Enchanting Plateau was inspired by a dream to give Plateau artists a global stage and open doors of opportunity often shut to young creatives.
Thomas outlined the challenges many artists face—limited visibility, lack of appreciation, and financial constraints—yet stressed that Plateau continues to produce exceptional talent. He described the exhibition as a bridge linking art, culture, tourism, and economic development, urging government agencies, corporate bodies, and private investors to see art not only as entertainment but as a viable long-term investment.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, his team, partners, and supporters for believing in the vision, noting that he hopes to see Enchanting Plateau grow into one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s major cultural events.
In his remarks, Hon. Dachung Bagos praised the initiative for inspiring young creatives and providing them with a platform to shine. He emphasized that the creative sector holds immense potential for wealth creation, citing examples of artworks that have gained global value over time.
Bagos encouraged sustained support for the exhibition and urged young artists to keep honing their craft, saying platforms like Enchanting Plateau can shape careers and elevate Plateau’s cultural profile.
One of the exhibiting artists, Naomi Adamu, shared her joy at participating for the second time. She described the exhibition as an inspiring space that motivates artists to keep creating despite the challenges within the art sector. Naomi discussed her featured piece, “Symbolic Identity,” made from natural seeds and gourds to reflect the deep cultural roots of Plateau people, including their symbols, values, and traditional communication patterns. She noted that the exhibition strengthens unity among artists and boosts their confidence.
Artist David C. Nwadike also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his work. He said Enchanting Plateau provides essential visibility for young artists and encourages appreciation of local creativity. Nwadike emphasized that monetizing art begins with valuing it locally and called for continuous support for the platform.
The week-long exhibition continues with art showcases, cultural performances, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at celebrating and preserving Plateau’s artistic legacy.
