Entertainment

Plateau’s Creative Spark Ignites: State Hosts First-Ever Creative Industry Meet to Fuel Tourism & Innovation

Published

9 months ago

October 16, 2025

Preport

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.

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Entertainment

JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS 2026 Opens Call for Entries

Published

13 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Preport

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.

Entertainment

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

Published

6 days ago

July 10, 2026

Preport

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!