The Plateau State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality has hosted the maiden edition of the Plateau Creative Industry Engagement with the theme, “Unlocking the Creative Economy for Sustainable Tourism and Innovation.”
The event brought together key players in the creative sector, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders to discuss strategies for using Plateau’s cultural wealth and creative talents to drive innovation and economic growth.
Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, described Plateau’s creative sector as a “hidden goldmine” waiting to be fully tapped. He said the state is rich in talent but needs data, coordination, and investment to convert creativity into economic value.
He emphasized that the creative industry has the potential to reshape Plateau’s economy if properly harnessed. According to him, government alone cannot drive this change; creatives must take ownership and turn their skills into profitable ventures.
Doeyok reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for creatives to thrive. He explained that the engagement aims to collect fresh ideas and form strong partnerships to position Plateau as a hub for tourism and innovation.
The engagement featured an insightful panel session with key stakeholders from the creative and public sectors. Panelists included Bomkam Wuyep, Director General of PLASMIDA; Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service; Owen Dagogot, Chairman, House Committee on Tourism; Suka Andrew, a world-class sound engineer; James Laman, a project management consultant; Chuwang Pwajok, General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Corporation; and the Commissioner himself. They discussed how to strengthen partnerships, improve government support, and make creativity a key pillar of Plateau’s economic growth.
Speaking at the event, Gabriel Hodus (Elmore), Governor of PMAN Plateau State Chapter, commended the government for recognizing the creative industry and offering artistes a platform to thrive. He described the meeting as a “new dawn” and called for unity among creatives to move the industry forward.
Augusta Isaac, Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Plateau Chapter, said Plateau remains a center of creativity despite insecurity challenges. She urged the government to support local film producers and promote the use of homegrown talents in movie productions. Isaac also announced plans to launch a “Catch Them Young” initiative in schools to identify and train young actors, helping to rebuild Plateau’s reputation as a creative hub.
Gospel singer Neken Chuwang highlighted the need for a fair reward system, saying it would encourage hardworking artists to do more. He also appealed to the government to review the APCON taxation policy, warning that it could stifle creative growth.
Content creator and comedian Sunday Agbaji (Hilarious Sunnie) said the engagement gave direction to the industry and showed the government’s genuine interest in supporting creatives. He encouraged artists to always attend such discussions to strengthen collaboration.
In his goodwill message, veteran Nollywood actor Sani Muazu stressed the need for transparency, clear policies, and better security to revive Plateau’s creative industry. He noted that insecurity had driven filmmakers away from Jos and urged the government to adopt film-friendly policies like those in Morocco and South Africa. Muazu also revealed plans to build a Jos Film Village to promote local film production and attract investors.
Barr. Ezra Jinang, Senior Special Assistant on Creativity to the Governor, gave the vote of thanks. He praised the Commissioner’s commitment and promised that the government would continue hosting seminars on taxation, content monetization, and legal issues to empower creatives across the state.
