Entertainment
Plateau’s Creative Spark Ignites: State Hosts First-Ever Creative Industry Meet to Fuel Tourism & Innovation
Move over, gold rush—Plateau’s newest treasure isn’t buried underground. It’s dancing in studios, echoing in music studios, lighting up film sets, and painting the town with bold strokes of imagination. And this week, the state officially rolled out the red carpet for its creative class at the inaugural Plateau Creative Industry Engagement, themed “Unlocking the Creative Economy for Sustainable Tourism and Innovation.”
Organised by the Plateau State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, the landmark event gathered artists, policymakers, filmmakers, sound engineers, tax officials, and cultural custodians under one roof—not just to talk shop, but to plot a bold new economic future powered by creativity.
Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, the state’s dynamic Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, didn’t mince words: “Plateau’s creative sector is a hidden goldmine.” He painted a vivid picture of a state bursting with talent but held back by a lack of data, coordination, and investment. “Creativity alone isn’t enough,” he said. “We need to turn it into value—into jobs, into tourism, into global recognition.”
Doeyok stressed that while the government can set the stage, it’s up to creatives themselves to step into the spotlight and build sustainable businesses. “This isn’t a handout—it’s a partnership,” he declared, promising his ministry would work to create an ecosystem where ideas can thrive and artists can earn.
The day’s highlight? A powerhouse panel that read like a who’s who of Plateau’s creative and policy elite:
– Bomkam Wuyep (Director General, PLASMIDA)
– Dr. Jim Pam Wayas (Chairman, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service)
– Owen Dagogot (House Committee on Tourism)
– Suka Andrew (world-renowned sound engineer)
– James Laman (project management guru)
– Chuwang Pwajok (General Manager, Plateau Tourism Corporation)
– And the Commissioner himself, anchoring the conversation.
Together, they tackled everything from tax policies that don’t strangle startups to how creatives can better collaborate with the government. The consensus? Creativity isn’t just culture—it’s capital.
The creatives didn’t hold back—and they weren’t just grateful; they were galvanised.
Gabriel Hodus (aka Elmore), Governor of the PMAN Plateau chapter, called the event a “new dawn” and urged fellow artists to unite. “When we speak with one voice, we can’t be ignored,” he said.
Actress and AGN Plateau Chair Augusta Isaac acknowledged the shadow of insecurity that once dimmed Jos’s creative glow—but insisted the flame never went out. She announced a bold new initiative: “Catch Them Young,” a school-based talent hunt to train the next generation of actors and rebuild Plateau’s rep as Nigeria’s creative heartbeat.
Gospel sensation Neken Chuwang struck a practical note: “Reward us fairly, and we’ll create more.” He also warned that the current APCON taxation framework could suffocate emerging talent if not reformed.
Comedian and digital creator Sunday Agbaji (Hilarious Sunnie) praised the government’s genuine outreach: “This isn’t just photo ops—it’s direction,” he said, urging fellow creatives to show up, speak up, and stay engaged.
And then came the mic-drop moment from veteran Nollywood icon Sani Mu’azu. Calling for “transparency, clear policies, and better security,” he revealed an ambitious plan in the works: a Jos Film Village—a one-stop hub for local and international productions, modelled after successful setups in Morocco and South Africa. “Let’s bring the cameras back to Jos,” he urged.
Closing the event, Barr. Ezra Jinang, Senior Special Assistant on Creativity to the Governor, gave a vote of thanks—and a promise. Expect more seminars on taxation, content monetisation, and legal rights for creatives across the state. This, he said, is just the beginning.
Is Plateau about to become Nigeria’s next creative capital? With talent this deep, leadership this engaged, and vision this clear—the answer might just be playing at a cinema near you soon.
Entertainment
Jos Gunners Set for Mega Celebration as Arsenal Victory Parade, UCL Watch Party Hit the City
Jos is set to come alive in Arsenal colours as fans across Plateau State prepare for the much-anticipated Jos Arsenal Victory Parade, UEFA Champions League Watch Party, and Arsenal Awards Night in what promises to be one of the biggest fan gatherings in the city.
The event, described as the ultimate Gooners’ link-up, will bring together Arsenal supporters from across the state for an evening packed with celebration, entertainment, and football passion — with free entry for everyone.
Activities kick off on Saturday, May 30, with the Victory Parade scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM sharp from Terminus, by Zenith Bank, as fans are expected to flood the streets in Arsenal jerseys to celebrate in style.
The celebration will then move to Tamarald Event Centre (Outdoor), off Old Airport Junction, from 4:00 PM, where guests will enjoy an exciting lineup of activities.
Organisers have promised premium entertainment featuring free party jollof for the first 50 attendees, sizzling barbecue, music performances, comedy, dance showcases, special Arsenal awards presentations, and the official launch of a brand-new Arsenal-themed song.
Supporters are simply encouraged to show up in their Arsenal jerseys and be part of the unforgettable experience.
The event is supported by Areo Global Services, Malangwa Media Empire, Nugroove Multimedia, Grace Dimensions Ministries, Dabels Cakes and Catering, Jos Metro Foods, Da Zone Concepts, Joe B Entertainment, Royal K.O.C, and the Gunners Rhythm Gang.
For enquiries, support, and table reservations, interested participants can contact:
07031001105
08126007839
For Jos Gooners, this is more than an event — it is a celebration of football, community, and Arsenal pride.
Entertainment
Jah Device’s Global Rise Gains Momentum as BusinessDay Sunday Spotlights Nigeria’s Reggae Ambassador
The global reggae movement is witnessing the rise of a new African voice as Nigerian reggae sensation Jah Device continues his remarkable journey from the hills of Jos, Plateau State, to the international music stage. The fast-rising artiste recently achieved another career milestone after earning a special feature in the entertainment section of BusinessDay Sunday, one of Africa’s leading English-language newspapers.
The publication highlighted Jah Device’s artistic journey, influence, and contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry, further cementing his place among the country’s most promising reggae exports. The recognition not only celebrates his growing impact but also shines a spotlight on Plateau State as an emerging hub for creativity, culture, and musical excellence.
Known offstage as I Am Device, Jah Device has steadily built a reputation as an international reggae musician, songwriter, producer, and performer whose music blends conscious messaging, spirituality, social commentary, and rich African rhythms. His sound is driven by thought-provoking lyrics, melodic harmonies, and pulsating live instrumentation — elements that have distinguished him within the reggae community both locally and internationally.
Signed to Stingray Records UK, Jah Device has continued to expand his global footprint through collaborations and projects that connect Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. His works have reached international audiences through strategic partnerships and distribution support from Bob Marley’s legendary Tuff Gong International in Jamaica — a major milestone for any reggae artiste seeking global relevance.
Among his notable releases is Love And Sacrifice, a project that brought together respected international reggae figures including Anthony Red Rose, Michael Buckley, and Natty King. The collaboration reinforced Jah Device’s position as an artiste capable of bridging cultures while maintaining an authentic African reggae identity.
Currently, the Jos-born star is working on an international project with producer Zige Dub featuring collaborations with Troy Anthony from Bermuda, House of Riddim in Austria, and I Am That I Am Records in Jamaica — an effort expected to further elevate his profile on the global reggae scene.
Beyond music, Jah Device remains deeply invested in community building and cultural development. He is the convener of the annual Rocky Road Music Festival, an initiative that provides a platform for talent discovery, artistic expression, and cultural exchange while promoting Plateau State’s creative ecosystem.
His journey also reflects a multifaceted personality. Away from the stage, Jah Device is passionate about studying the Word, sports including judo and football, fishing, beekeeping, and travelling. Over the years, he has represented Africa at several international events, including engagements in Jamaica — the spiritual home of reggae music.
Speaking during the BusinessDay Sunday feature, Jah Device emphasized the role of entertainment as a driver of economic growth and social transformation. He described music as one of the strongest hopes for Nigeria’s economy, particularly for young people seeking opportunities, empowerment, and self-expression.
As a brand ambassador for The Mayor of Housing Nigeria and an emerging cultural voice from Africa, Jah Device’s story is becoming more than a musical journey — it is evolving into a movement of purpose, identity, and international influence.
From Jos to Kingston, London to Austria, Jah Device is carrying the sound of Africa to the world stage, proving that reggae remains a universal language and that Plateau State has yet another global ambassador in the making.
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SENATOR I. D. GYANG SAYS PLATEAU NORTH AWAITS JUSTICE FROM THE NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE OF THE APC.
