The Made-in-Plateau Business Carnival entered its second day with more residents visiting Solomon Lar Amusement Park for discounted shopping and exhibitions. The five-day event, which began yesterday, has drawn vibrant displays from Plateau’s growing community of MSMEs.
The carnival kicked off with strong support from partners including the Plateau State Government, GIZ, SMEDAN, and PLASMIDA. Attendance continues to rise as entrepreneurs showcase their products, meet investors, and access new business opportunities.
During her tour across all vendor stands, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, described the carnival as a strong display of Plateau’s natural resources and creativity. She said the variety of locally sourced products reflects the state’s rich agricultural and cultural identity.
Ramnap highlighted the innovative use of indigenous materials such as local olives and their by-products. She also noted the emergence of eco-friendly alternatives like carved wooden plates, showing the value Plateau entrepreneurs can extract from local resources.
She commended exhibitors for transforming raw materials into refined products. Many of the talents on display, she said, only need improved packaging and finishing to meet international standards.
The Commissioner described the level of innovation as a clear sign of the potential within Plateau’s MSME ecosystem. She said the event has shown that local creativity can compete on both national and international levels.
Ramnap praised development partners including SMEDAN, GIZ, and technical committees for supporting product quality improvement, marketing, and business development. She emphasized that their collaboration with the state government has strengthened the platform for local entrepreneurs to grow.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the carnival as a yearly event. Each edition, she said, will help discover new talents and refine existing ones as part of a long-term plan to nurture a stronger creative economy.
The Commissioner expressed particular admiration for products made entirely from locally sourced raw materials. She noted their creativity, innovation, and cultural significance, particularly in food processing, crafts, and natural wellness products.
Mr. Jackse Le’an Mangtat, Chairman of the MSME Technical Working Group, said the carnival was conceived to showcase Plateau-made products and bring together the full MSME ecosystem. He explained that the idea emerged from engagements held after GIZ-supported training programs for entrepreneurs.
He added that the turnout has exceeded expectations, with over 400 MSMEs registered and thousands of visitors recorded in the first two days. According to him, this response reflects the depth of creativity and enterprise within Plateau State.
One of the Creative Enterprenuer, Mrs. Ephraim Ngwan, CEO of B2 Innovations, said her creativity was inspired by her admiration for the olive seed, abundant in Plateau. She has transformed the seeds, often considered waste, into valuable products, demonstrating how overlooked local materials can support innovation and sustainability.
