Events

Taxes and Creativity Can Coexist”—PSIRS Boss Champions Creative Economy as Engine for Plateau’s Growth

Published

6 months ago

October 16, 2025

Preport

In a refreshing take that’s music to many artists’ ears (and maybe a few accountants’ too), Dr Jim Pam Wayas, Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), has declared that creativity isn’t just art—it’s economics.

Speaking at the historic maiden edition of the Plateau Creative Industry Engagement at Sarau Event Centre in Jos, Dr Wayas delivered a compelling message: the creative economy isn’t just about hits, hashtags, or Hollywood-style dreams—it’s a serious driver of jobs, investment, and sustainable development for Plateau State.

Far from being enemies, Dr Wayas argued that creativity and taxation are natural allies. “When creatives thrive, Plateau thrives,” he said. “You create jobs. You attract eyeballs—and investors. You help build a self-reliant state.”

But here’s the kicker: he also reminded the room that everyone who earns should contribute—including those making waves online with music, films, comedy skits, or digital art. Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, he noted, is among the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa, and closing that gap starts with inclusivity.

Recognising that today’s creatives often earn through Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, or freelance platforms, PSIRS has launched a new department dedicated to the digital economy. “Data is the new oil,” Dr Wayas declared, “and many of you are already drilling—but informally.”

His pitch? Formalise your hustle. Register your business. Understand your tax obligations—not as a penalty, but as a passport to legitimacy, access to grants, and even international opportunities.

Addressing common fears of overtaxation, Dr Wayas was clear: “Taxes are paid on profit, not poverty.” He stressed that PSIRS isn’t out to burden struggling artists but to ensure fairness across the board. The revenue collected, he assured, will fuel better roads, power, security, and innovation hubs—all of which creatives need to scale.

He also issued a rallying cry: “Unite. Collaborate. Tell Plateau’s story.” Whether through Nollywood films shot in Shere Hills, Afrobeat anthems from Jos studios, or tech-driven art installations, creatives have the power to reshape how the world sees the state—and attract tourism and investment in the process.

In closing, Dr Wayas extended a hand, not a bill: the government, he said, is committed to creating a supportive ecosystem where creativity isn’t just celebrated—it’s monetised, protected, and scaled.

So to all the singers, filmmakers, designers, coders, and content creators of Plateau: your talent is your tax-deductible superpower. And now, the state is finally ready to invest in it—right alongside you.

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Events

Apostle Selman Donates ₦200m Cash, Food Items to Victims of Plateau Attack

Published

2 days ago

April 15, 2026

Preport

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called for collective responsibility in maintaining peace and unity in the state following recent violent attacks in parts of the region.

The governor made the appeal on Wednesday while receiving the founder and senior pastor of Eternity Network International (Koinonia Global), Joshua Selman, at the Government House in Jos during a condolence visit.

During the visit, Selman donated relief materials and cash valued at over ₦200 million to support victims of the recent attacks in Plateau State.

Mutfwang described the visit as a strong show of solidarity with the government and people of the state during a period of grief, expressing appreciation for the cleric’s gesture and humanitarian support.

He also commended members of the delegation, including former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy, and Mr Bestman Wadia, for their support and connection to the state.

The governor lamented the attacks but noted that government had extended assistance to both Christian and Muslim families affected by the violence, stressing the need for unity beyond religious lines.

He reiterated that ongoing efforts were being made to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and urged residents to remain hopeful despite the challenges.

Mutfwang further called on Plateau indigenes at home and in the diaspora to contribute to the development and stability of the state, describing Plateau as a “collective responsibility” that must be protected by all.

Earlier, Selman said the visit was to sympathise with victims and stand in solidarity with the people of the state.

He described Plateau as a land of great potential and resilience but lamented the recurring violence affecting communities.

As part of his intervention, Selman announced the donation of relief materials, including a truckload of about 3,000 bags of rice and other essentials valued at over ₦100 million, to be distributed in collaboration with the state government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

He also disclosed additional financial support of about ₦100 million for affected families, noting that the gesture was aimed at bringing comfort and hope to victims.

Selman stressed the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity, saying every stakeholder has a role to play in restoring peace and stability in the state.

Events

From Dialogue to Action: Reps Committee Leads Strategic Push for Lasting Peace in Plateau

Published

3 days ago

April 14, 2026

Preport

In a decisive move to confront the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Security Challenges in Plateau State and Beyond convened a high-level one-day dialogue on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The conference, held at Crispan Suites and Event Centre in Jos, attracted a wide spectrum of stakeholders committed to restoring peace and stability across the region. The gathering underscored the urgency of addressing insecurity through inclusive and coordinated efforts.

Themed “Restoring Stability and Unity: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Security in Plateau State and Beyond,” the event created a rare opportunity for frank conversations among key actors. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, peacebuilding experts, and civil society organizations all took part, bringing diverse perspectives to the table. The conference emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling insecurity and building a more united Plateau.

Deliberations centered on uncovering the underlying causes of recurring conflicts, including communal tensions, mistrust, and gaps in security coordination. Participants stressed the need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, alongside the adoption of proactive measures such as early warning systems and grassroots conflict resolution frameworks. Many speakers highlighted that sustainable peace can only be achieved through fairness, inclusivity, and continuous dialogue among all stakeholders.

As the conference drew to a close, there was a strong consensus on the need to move beyond discussions to concrete actions. Stakeholders called for sustained engagement, policy implementation, and accountability to ensure that resolutions reached are not left on paper. With renewed hope and shared commitment, participants expressed confidence that such unified efforts could usher in lasting peace in Plateau State and serve as a blueprint for resolving security challenges across Nigeria.