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Engr. Tony Nakale Calls on Gov. Mutfwang: Elevate Plateau’s Creative Industry from Neglect to Nurture

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Plateau State, celebrated for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural diversity, holds another treasure—its thriving creative talent. However, the state’s vibrant pool of painters, writers, musicians, comedians, filmmakers, fashion designers, and digital creators remains largely overlooked and unsupported. This systemic neglect has stifled an industry capable of transforming the state’s economy and cultural identity.

A recent commentary by Engr. Tony Nakale on Facebook highlights the plight of Plateau’s creative sector. He describes a state where creatives echo in a vacuum of neglect, with successive administrations failing to provide the necessary infrastructure and support. While governments report substantial investments in the arts, the benefits rarely trickle down to the creatives themselves. Instead, events feature talent flown in from other states, with Plateau’s homegrown artists relegated to the sidelines.

Nakale’s critique extends beyond financial neglect. Plateau lacks institutional frameworks such as art hubs, mentorship programs, and grants to nurture its creative talent. This void has forced many young creatives to leave the state for better opportunities. Those who stay struggle against overwhelming odds to fund, market, and showcase their work.

Nakale argues that the situation is not just a cultural oversight but an economic failure. Globally, the creative industry drives employment, tourism, and cultural diplomacy. With its abundant talent and rich heritage, Plateau could leverage these resources to position itself as a creative hub in Nigeria.

Nakale’s message is a clarion call to the Mutfwang administration to break the cycle of neglect. He urges the government to prioritize the creative sector as a strategic tool for development. Among his proposals are:

  • Establishing Creative Hubs: Spaces for collaboration, innovation, and talent development.
  • Providing Financial Support: Grants and funding to empower local artists.
  • Fostering Mentorship and Training: Programs to guide young creatives and build capacity.
  • Integrating Creativity into Policy: Recognizing the arts as an economic and social driver in state planning.

“This administration has a chance to change the narrative,” Nakale writes. “Let Plateau become a pioneer in fostering creativity, not just within the middle belt but across the nation.”

The neglect of Plateau’s creative industry reflects a broader issue in Nigeria, where the arts often take a backseat to other sectors. Yet, states like Lagos have demonstrated the transformative power of investing in creativity, yielding economic growth and cultural prestige. Plateau could follow suit, capitalizing on its unique blend of talent and heritage to create a thriving creative economy.

Nakale’s message is clear: Plateau’s creatives are not seeking handouts; they are demanding a platform. The time has come for action, not token gestures. The Mutfwang administration must recognize the untapped potential within the creative sector and make bold, meaningful investments.

By empowering its artists, Plateau can chart a new course—one where creativity thrives, talent is nurtured, and the state takes its rightful place as a beacon of innovation and culture. The time for change is now.

See full post here https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19uCNHc7Xm/

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Entertainment

JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS 2026 Opens Call for Entries

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The Joint Gospel Arts and Music Awards (JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS) has officially opened submissions for the 16th edition of its annual awards, inviting gospel creatives from across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to submit their works for consideration.

The submission window opens on Monday, 13 July 2026 and closes on Sunday, 9 August 2026.

Award Categories

Eligible entries are invited in the following categories:

  • Song of the Year
  • Artiste of the Year
  • Male Artiste of the Year
  • Female Artiste of the Year
  • Group of the Year
  • Dance Group of the Year
  • Video of the Year
  • Video Director of the Year
  • Audio Producer of the Year
  • Indigenous Traditional Song of the Year (songs performed purely in indigenous dialect or Hausa)
  • Indigenous Traditional Fusion Song of the Year (songs combining indigenous dialect, Hausa and English)
  • Afro Hip Hop Song of the Year (Rap)
  • Short Film of the Year
  • Collaboration of the Year
  • Next Rated Artiste of the Year
  • Album of the Year
  • Graphics Designer of the Year
  • New Artiste of the Year
  • Gospel Comedian of the Year
  • Spoken Word Artiste of the Year
  • Middle Belt Artiste of the Year
  • North West Artiste of the Year
  • North East Artiste of the Year

Submission Criteria

To qualify, entries must meet the following requirements:

  • Content must be gospel.
  • Content must have been released between January 2025 and June 2026.
  • Content must be available on at least one streaming platform.
  • Entries must include duplicate copies of recent photographs of the content creator.
  • Content artwork must accompany the submission.
  • The content creator must reside in Northern Nigeria or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

How to Submit

Participants can submit their entries by email or through the official online nomination form.

Website: https://jogama.com.ng/submit-entry/

Online Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSex5Lq_vzlnUCqtS1wMAi9gSk58qRla5gsgUIqeK_USp-jo4g/viewform

Email: jogamagreen@gmail.com

Each submission should include:

  • Full name
  • Stage name (where applicable)
  • Title of the submitted work
  • Valid WhatsApp number

For further information and enquiries, visit www.jogama.com.ng, follow @jogamagreen on social media, or call 08034295946.

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JOGAMA UNVEILS THE OFFICIAL THEME FOR THE 16TH EDITION OF THE JOINT GOSPEL ARTS AND MUSIC AWARDS (JOGAMA) 2026

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The Management of the Joint Gospel Arts and Music Awards (JOGAMA) is honoured to unveil the official theme for the 16th Edition of JOGAMA–The GREEN AWARDS 2026:
“A Sound That Cannot Be Silenced: Rooted in Faith, Rising in Influence.”

This year’s theme is inspired by the resilience of the Church in Northern Nigeria and the unwavering faith of countless believers who continue to worship, minister, and proclaim the Gospel despite persecution, insecurity, and other challenges confronting Christian communities.

Across many parts of Northern Nigeria, Christians have endured violence, displacement, intimidation, and the loss of loved ones. Yet, through every trial, the Church has continued to lift its voice in worship. Songs of hope still rise from congregations, the Gospel continues to be preached, and creatives remain committed to using their gifts to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ.

The theme is a declaration that no amount of opposition can silence the Gospel. The message of Christ has endured throughout history, overcoming persecution and hardship because it is founded on truth and sustained by God’s power.

As gospel creatives, we are called not only to produce excellent music and art but also to become voices of hope, healing, courage, and faith for a generation seeking light in difficult times. Our influence must be rooted in Christ, reflecting His love, truth, and redemption in every creative expression.

Speaking on the theme, the JOGAMA Management said:
“This theme is dedicated to every believer who has remained steadfast in the face of persecution, every worshipper who continues to sing despite sorrow, every minister who refuses to compromise the Gospel, and every creative who uses their gift to bring hope where there is despair. The Gospel cannot be silenced because Christ Himself is alive. As we remain rooted in faith, our influence will continue to rise, and the light of the Gospel will shine even brighter across Northern Nigeria and beyond.”

The 2026 JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS will celebrate gospel creatives whose lives and works reflect courage, excellence, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom.

As preparations begin for the 16th edition, JOGAMA calls on churches, ministries, gospel artistes, filmmakers, dancers, spoken word ministers, producers, and the entire Christian creative community to stand together in faith and continue proclaiming the Good News through every creative platform.

Because the Gospel is stronger than fear, louder than persecution, and eternal in its message.

JOGAMA, appreciating talents, glorifying the Master!

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