On Saturday 2nd May 2026, the Jos Wildlife Park hosted a pilot edition of The Honeybee Experience, invitees were immersed in the fascinating world of bees. 10 Exclusive attendees took part in the multi-station tour exploring the economic, ecological and cultural value of honeybees. This rich ecotourism campaign combines nature (bees and wildlife), education, agriculture, and local culture to promote awareness and encourage sustainability.
This initiative is facilitated by Afrobees9ja and Apis Interactive Network Ltd., in partnership with Bloom Niche Prime Ventures, under the auspices of the ongoing IDEAS TVET Beekeeping Training Programme, at Jos Wildlife Park.
Opening: The Honey Bar
The Honeybee Experience opened to special guests with a curated honey tasting titled, “The Honey Bar” where participants sampled seven (7) varieties of pure Nigerian honey sourced from flowering plants such as eucalyptus, sunflower, oil palm, acacia, citrus, locust bean, and shea butter.
The “Honey bar” was the visitor’s first stop, introducing them to a variety of distinct honey flavours. Young apiculturists in training guided guests through the honey bar, sharing facts about the traceability of the honey samples displayed, the botanical origins, flavour profiles and the unique properties associated with each.
Storytelling and Bee Trivia Engage Guests
In the museum conference room, participants engaged in trivia sessions that sparked curiosity and lively discussion, before proceeding to a documentary screening on bees and honey production, which highlighted the ecological importance of bees to human livelihoods and the broader ecosystem. The session continued with live quizzes, where participants deepened their understanding of bee communication, colony organisation, and the critical role of bees in global food production.
As a follow-up to honey tasting, this segment captures the essence of the Honeybee Experience while offering a deeper understanding of its lasting impact.
Live Hive Observation
One of the major highlights of the event was the hive observation, where participants wore protective veils to view a live bee colony through a transparent exhibition hive.
During the session, a guide identified the queen bee, worker bees, and drones while explaining their distinct roles within the colony structure.
Several attendees describe hive observation as their first close interaction with live bees. “I came in nervous, but I left fascinated,” a guest said after the demonstration. This moment during hive observation echoed the storytelling segment, reinforcing comprehension.
Honey-Based Cuisine
Local dishes prepared with honey were served at the Park Café. Menu offerings include masa with honey, awara glazed with honey, couscous served with honey gravy, unsweetened cakes paired with honey varieties, and beverages – honey cider and honey mead wine.
One of the anchors said the honey-cuisine demonstrates the versatility of honey in food culture and hospitality.
Honeybee Product Exhibition
During the exhibition, a demonstration of bee venom therapy thrilled volunteers who received controlled bee stings under supervision. They also explored various honeybee products including comb honey, beeswax, bee pollen and propolis, alongside beeswax-based cosmetics such as hair cream and body ointment.
The anchor of the exhibition mentioned that bee venom therapy is an ancient practice attracting growing scientific interest for its potential therapeutic applications. Bee venom contains melittin, a compound currently under scientific study for its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, including research into conditions such as arthritis and certain cancer types.
The exhibition highlights the potential of honeybee-derived products beyond nutrition and local dishes. It reveals a growing interest in apiculture innovations and their contributions to health, wellness, and sustainable development.
Tourism Booster
The Honeybee Experience amplifies ongoing efforts to position Plateau State as a tourist destination for natural and cultural experiences. Observers note that the initiative combines agriculture, conservation, food culture, and tourism in a way that could attract both local and international visitors to Jos Wildlife Park.
Following the successful launch of the VIP pilot edition, guests, organisers, and beekeeping trainees expressed optimism about its potential to become a major addition to Plateau State’s growing ecotourism industry.
The Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria (FOGMMON), Plateau State Chapter, heartily congratulates its State Chairman, Pastor Ejidike Ugochukwu, popularly known as Minstrel Jid, on his appointment as the National President of FOGMMON.
This appointment marks a significant milestone and reflects his leadership capacity, commitment to the gospel music ministry, and dedication to the growth and development of the gospel music ecosystem in Nigeria.
As a chapter, we are proud of this remarkable achievement and trust that his emergence will usher in a new season of strategic leadership, greater visibility, innovation, unity, and impactful engagement within the Fellowship and the broader gospel music community.
We acknowledge the responsibility that comes with this national assignment and trust God for the wisdom, grace, and strength required to lead the Fellowship towards greater accomplishments.
PLATEAU STATE LEADERSHIP: INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS
In view of this development, and in the interest of continuity and effective coordination of the affairs of the Plateau State Chapter, the following interim leadership arrangements are proposed to take effect in an acting capacity, pending the conduct of an election to determine the substantive officeholders:
Debby Lex, the current Vice Chairman, is to assume the position of Acting State Chairman.
Pastor Gabriel Pam, the current Secretary-General, is to assume the position of Acting State Vice Chairman.
These interim arrangements are intended to ensure continuity in the chapter’s activities, sustain existing structures, and maintain effective leadership pending the election. The substantive positions will be determined through the appropriate electoral process.
We encourage the executive council and all members of FOGMMON Plateau to remain united, committed, and supportive of the chapter’s leadership and collective vision during this period.
A CALL TO UNITY AND GREATER IMPACT
As FOGMMON Plateau celebrates this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to the unity, growth, and advancement of the Fellowship. We see this development as an opportunity to strengthen our structures, deepen collaboration, and contribute more meaningfully to the advancement of gospel music ministry across Nigeria.
We call on all members, stakeholders, and well-wishers to join us in congratulating Pastor Ejidike Ugochukwu (Minstrel Jid) and in praying for God’s wisdom, grace, and guidance upon his leadership at the national level.
Together, we remain committed to raising the standard of gospel music ministry, fostering unity among ministers, and advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ through music and strategic leadership.
Congratulations to our own, Pastor Ejidike Ugochukwu (Minstrel Jid), on this remarkable appointment!
Greater Impact. Stronger Unity. Advancing the Gospel Through Music.
Signed:
FOGMMON PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER
Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria
The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.
The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.
Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.
The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.
The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.
Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.
With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.