History was made in Plateau State as Lingzhi Global successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Coffee Festival International Nigeria, bringing together coffee producers, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe. Delegates from Ethiopia, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, and over 30 other countries attended, positioning Plateau as a rising hub for global coffee culture and trade.

In her welcome address, CEO of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd., Blessing Nanman, described the festival as the first of its kind in Nigeria, designed to promote skills development and showcase Plateau’s rich heritage through coffee. She revealed Lingzhi’s vision to create over 10,000 jobs within three years by building a sustainable coffee value chain with the support of government and private sector partners.

Nanman also urged Nigerians, especially Plateau citizens, to embrace patience, sacrifice, and unity, praying that the festival would renew belief in the nation’s potential and spotlight the state’s fertile land and natural resources.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, declared the event open, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to developing the coffee value chain and encouraging youth entrepreneurship.

“Plateau is safe, full of culture, and blessed with the best weather and the best quality coffee,” he said.

The governor also announced the government’s purchase of 20 copies of Nanman’s newly launched Lindsay Coffee magazine worth ₦1 million, describing the initiative as a step toward global recognition.

Industry experts traced the sector’s history and potential. Dr. Ehindame Paul, President of the Coffee and Tea Association, recalled that Nigeria’s coffee industry collapsed in the 1980s due to global price crashes, policy shifts, and the Structural Adjustment Program. He emphasized that coffee could once again serve as Nigeria’s “real crude oil,” creating vast opportunities for young people with renewed government and private sector involvement.

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, commended Nanman for bringing the festival to Plateau, saying it has “placed Plateau on the global coffee map.” She urged farmers and government to sustain support, stressing that coffee can transform lives and create jobs.

Brazilian coffee specialist, Rebecca Nogueira, described the Jos festival as “an amazing movement” with great potential.

“If Nigeria decides to make coffee a big industry, it is possible, and Brazil is ready to support from seed to cup,” she said.

The festival also showcased Plateau’s culture, with performances by Dantala, Asharuwa dancers, and Afri Theater Abuja. Special appearances by Anthony Amaechi Umeh, Lilian Uchenna, Nwosu Ngozi, and veteran actor Francis Duru added colour to the event.

With its successful debut, the Coffee Festival International Nigeria not only celebrated coffee culture but also positioned Plateau as a future global hub for coffee trade and innovation.