Great news for business owners across Plateau State! The Plateau Business Council (PLABOC) has officially opened applications for the Go Digital Plateau Business Initiative, a unique opportunity designed to help local businesses strengthen their online presence and attract more customers.
Through this initiative, entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups, and organizations can access free Google Maps business listing, digital visibility support, and expert guidance on leveraging online tools to grow their brands. Whether you run a small shop, a service-based business, or a growing enterprise, this is your chance to position your brand where customers can easily find you.
With more consumers relying on digital search to discover products and services, being on Google Maps is no longer optional—it’s a major advantage.
The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State, in partnership with the Joint Task Force – Operation Enduring Peace, successfully organized a “Peace Walk” to promote unity and calm during the festive season.
The event, themed “Towards a Peaceful Yuletide,” took place today, December 6, which began from Old Airport Junction and proceeded through Tudun Wada to Hill Station.
Participants turned out in impressive numbers, demonstrating the values of peace, tolerance, harmony, and togetherness as the state prepared for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, Secretary of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association, commended the organizers for their dedication to promoting unity across the state.
He stated that the Peace Walk reflected the collective resolve of residents to uphold peace and affirmed that Plateau remains a welcoming and safe environment.
Mr. Kallamu emphasized that stability is essential for tourism and business growth. He urged media practitioners to combat fake news and publish verified information to attract investors and visitors.
Mr. Polycarp Auta, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, explained that the Peace Walk continues previous initiatives by the chapel. He thanked the Joint Task Force and security agencies for their support and cooperation.
He added that the walk went beyond reporting security matters, aiming to actively promote peaceful coexistence among residents.
Mr. Auta encouraged citizens to live in peace, show tolerance, and demonstrate love toward one another, especially during the Christmas season. He also thanked participants for their commitment and prayed for safe returns.
Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairperson of the NUJ, urged journalists and bloggers to remain committed to promoting peace through their reports. She emphasized the need for responsible journalism to sustain calm within communities.
She further appealed to media practitioners across Plateau State to focus on content that supports unity, progress, and harmonious living. Mrs. Pwaspo expressed hope that the forthcoming Christmas celebrations would be peaceful.
Representing Brigadier General G. G. Shipi, Commander of Operation Rainbow, CSP Dennis Babale commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for organizing the walk. He described the initiative as essential for community wellbeing.
President of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, Mr. Bali Nanmak, also commended the organizers. He emphasized that unity is crucial beyond politics, religion, or any other divide.
Mr. Gad Shamaki, a CSO praised the participation of children, youth, government officials, and the public. He thanked journalists from Eritrea and Nigeria for highlighting the initiative, which contributes to a safe environment for all.
ASC Nanko Rimvyok, speaking on behalf of State Commandant Musa Ishaku, NSCDC, commended the organizers and reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets while ensuring peace is maintained and sustained across the platform.
The Peace Walk successfully projected the collective efforts of media, security agencies, civil society, and the public in promoting tolerance, harmony, and unity across Plateau State during the yuletide season.
In a renewed effort to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery and improve maternal and child health outcomes, the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project on Thursday, December 4, 2025, convened a high-level stakeholder engagement meeting in Jos. The meeting, held at Villa Grande Hotel, brought together Directors of Primary Health Care (DPHCs), Monitoring and Evaluation Officers (M&Es), Officers in Charge (OICs), Ward Development Committee (WDC) chairpersons, and Medical Record Officers (MROs) from IMPACT-supported facilities across Plateau State.
IMPACT Program and Project Manager, Nurse Ndak Kizito Zuhumnan, said the session was aimed at reviewing key health indices, identifying gaps, and strengthening interventions. He expressed concerns about low antenatal attendance, poor hospital delivery rates, and delays in newborn immunization uptake.
“We are here to examine what is happening with children under five and pregnant women—why some still deliver at home and why babies are not being brought early for immunization,” Kizito stated. He reaffirmed that essential medical supplies including delivery kits, malaria testing kits, ACTs, and IPT3 are available free of charge in PHCs, stressing the vital role of WDCs in community mobilization through churches, mosques, and local meetings.
WDC Chairman of Jos Jarawa PHC, John Ajang Izang, praised the project’s impact, citing facility renovations, solar-powered systems, improved drug availability, and the governor’s baby packs which have made PHC deliveries free and more attractive. “The drug revolving scheme has ensured steady access to affordable, high-quality medications,” he added.
Director of Primary Healthcare, Barkin Ladi LGA, Linda Chuwang, described the engagement as timely, noting that some facilities still await completion of upgrades. She emphasized that clean, revitalized centers encourage more women to seek antenatal and delivery services. She also highlighted how IMPACT funding has enabled additional staffing to support 24-hour PHC operations.
Her counterpart in Riyom LGA, Helen Damo, stressed the need for stronger data reporting systems to improve the reliability of state health indicators. She urged WDCs to intensify sensitization efforts among community and traditional leaders.
IMPACT Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Benjamin Daniel Shankom, said WDCs remain the backbone of community engagement. “We are implementing the project in 207 health facilities. With the insights shared here, WDC members will mobilize more community members to patronize PHCs and access available services,” he noted.
Other stakeholders, including Chief Benaya Obiaboso of Jenta Apata and Choji Nyam of Township PHC, commended the visible improvements in PHCs but called for more staff to meet rising service demand.
The meeting reinforced the collective commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality across Plateau State through strengthened PHC systems, community involvement, and sustained support from the IMPACT project.
The Made-in-Plateau Business Carnival 2025 has continued to draw massive crowds at the Solomon Lar Amusement Park, Jos, showcasing the state’s vibrant creativity, innovation, and indigenous enterprise. The five-day event, which features over 400 exhibitors—far above the initial 250–300 projection—received a major boost on December 4, 2025, when Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, toured the exhibition stands.
The Commissioner’s visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting locally made products and strengthening the MSME ecosystem. She expressed delight that nearly 80% of showcased products are indigenous and handcrafted by Plateau people. Ramnap highlighted the uniqueness and nutritional value of local foods such as fonio, hungry rice, sweet potatoes, orange-flesh potatoes, and Plateau’s exclusive local olives and their by-products. She described the carnival as a strategic platform for investors, urging them to tap into the abundance of local talent and raw materials rather than building ventures from scratch.
Ramnap commended development partners, particularly GIZ, SMEDAN, and the technical committee for improving packaging and marketing standards to meet international expectations. She also applauded innovations created entirely from local raw materials and celebrated the state’s growing tea industry, noting that Plateau teas are now being packaged for wider markets.
Chairman of the Plateau MSME Ecosystem Technical Working Group, Jackse Le’an Mangtat, emphasized that the carnival is the first of its kind, born from months of stakeholder engagement and insights gathered through the GIZ ICSS (Inspire, Create, Start, Scale) program. He explained that the concept was designed to promote locally sourced raw materials, deepen the MSME ecosystem, and expand market access within and outside the state.
With over 3,000 visitors recorded in the first two days, Mangtat described the turnout as a reflection of increasing confidence in Plateau’s business landscape. He praised the support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and key ministries, adding that the maiden edition has strengthened plans to institutionalize the carnival as an annual event. Future editions, he noted, will be refined using stakeholder feedback and expanded across the state to further showcase Plateau’s innovation and enterprise.
The Made-in-Plateau Business Carnival continues until December 6, offering residents and visitors a rich display of products that underline Plateau’s readiness to reduce import dependence and scale local businesses to national and international markets.
The Made-in-Plateau Business Carnival 2025 has opened in grand style at the Solomon Lar Amusement Park, attracting thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, and business leaders for a five-day celebration of creativity, innovation, and sustainable enterprise. Running from December 2–6, the carnival is a major step in Plateau State’s ongoing effort to strengthen its MSME sector—following the successful training of over 6,000 entrepreneurs on green and circular-economy practices that convert waste into wealth.
Designed as a one-stop marketplace, the event features exhibitions, festive-season shopping, business clinics, and the groundbreaking “Made-in-Plateau Deal Room,” where MSMEs pitch directly to angel investors, impact funders, and financial institutions. Agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and CAC are on-site offering subsidized product registration and compliance services, while banks provide MSME-friendly loan packages to help entrepreneurs scale.
Supported by GIZ alongside state ministries, academic institutions, and private-sector partners, the carnival reflects Plateau’s growing commitment to building a competitive local economy capable of taking its products to supermarket shelves nationwide.
Manbyen Daki, Business Development Service Expert for GIZ Plateau State, noted that the event highlights the growth of MSMEs trained under GIZ programmes. She emphasized that entrepreneurs now have improved documentation and sustainability skills, enabling easier access to finance and investment. The Deal Room, she added, gives investors firsthand experience with local products and opens opportunities for funding local fabrication technologies.
Entrepreneurs expressed excitement about the platform. Dung David Dayi, co-founder of Kim’s Coffee and Nigeria Unlimited, described the experience as a unique chance to pitch, learn, and connect with investors. For him, the carnival offers clarity, direction, and inspiration for future expansion.
Creative entrepreneur Stella Enara Joseph, founder of Enara Works, showcased her innovative pieces made from repurposed household and industrial waste. Using materials like wood scraps, bottle caps, raffia, and broken jewelry, she creates photo frames, decorative pieces, and household items—advocating for recycling as both a business opportunity and a path to environmental protection.
The carnival grounds buzzed with energy as visitors explored the wide variety of Made-in-Plateau products on display. With vibrant showcases, investment-ready enterprises, and a festive shopping atmosphere, the 2025 edition continues to position Plateau State as a rising hub for sustainable innovation and MSME growth.
The Senate on Wednesday approved the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
The confirmation rounded off a lengthy and highly scrutinised five-hour session that placed national security concerns at the centre of debate.
Lawmakers subjected the nominee to probing questions on a series of recent security failures, most notably the controversial withdrawal of soldiers from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before armed men abducted several students on 17 November, an incident that triggered widespread public anger.
Musa told the chamber he would immediately order a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the troop withdrawal once he assumes office, stressing that lapses of such magnitude demand full accountability.
He also addressed the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State and other violent attacks on military personnel, describing the developments as deeply troubling.
Musa said the armed forces cannot permit terrorists to operate with such boldness and vowed that, working jointly with all security institutions, he would pursue those responsible and ensure detailed inquiries into every incident.
The retired general acknowledged lingering structural weaknesses within the security architecture, calling for increased funding, stronger collaboration among security agencies, and deeper partnerships with local communities to enhance intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
He also underscored the urgent need to reinforce the Safe Schools Initiative, warning that too many learning centres remain exposed to violent attacks.
Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of Nigerian lives and territorial integrity.
He said he would give his utmost to restore safety across the country, noting that terrorism and banditry thrive only when national institutions and citizens fail to work together.
Musa warned that Nigeria faces adversaries who do not value human life and said unity of purpose is essential to ending their violence.
His confirmation comes at a time of escalating insecurity marked by frequent kidnappings, insurgent attacks and mass abductions, raising expectations that his tenure will bring renewed vigour to Nigeria’s security strategy.
The city of Jos is alive with color, music, art, and cultural expression as the Enchanting Plateau Exhibition 2025 continues at Odilins Event Center. The week-long event, which opened on December 1 and will run until Sunday, December 7, has become a vibrant hub for entertainment lovers, creatives, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria. Beyond its artistic showcase, this year’s edition is making a bold statement about the power of creative expression in building unity and strengthening Plateau’s presence in the national entertainment landscape.
Hannatu Musa Musawa Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, lauded the exhibition as a transformative cultural force that has reshaped perceptions and elevated Plateau State’s creative identity within a single year. Though not present physically, she expressed unwavering support for the initiative. Musawa praised the theme One for reinforcing unity, shared identity, and collective progress. She commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his consistent commitment to the creative sector and affirmed the Federal Ministry’s dedication to expanding opportunities within the creative value chain. She noted that projects like Enchanting Plateau boost Nigeria’s soft power and contribute to the country’s growing global cultural influence.
David Thomas Convener of the exhibition, David Thomas, emphasized the entertainment-driven vision behind Enchanting Plateau. He highlighted that while Plateau State has long produced remarkable musicians, actors, and visual artists, the region lacked a consistent platform that matched national and international creative standards. Enchanting Plateau was created to fill this gap. Over the past year, the initiative has showcased more than 300 artworks, supported over 100 artists, hosted school competitions, and built strong partnerships. Thomas thanked stakeholders across the tourism and cultural ecosystem and encouraged the public to attend, enjoy performances, and support artists, stressing that such engagement will elevate Plateau’s entertainment and creative industries.
Anjugu (For Tune) Musical artist Fortune Anjugu expressed excitement at the collaborative energy fueling this year’s exhibition. He described the event as “a blessing,” praising David Thomas for building a structured system that gives artists visibility and long-term opportunities. Fortune noted that the entertainment segment of the exhibition is inspiring, with artists supporting one another and celebrating Plateau’s identity as one community. He also highlighted a unique artwork inspired by the Mugavu language of the Mangu people, calling the entire experience enriching and eye-opening.
Afro-soul and R&B singer Omojo Umoru shared her admiration for both Jos and the exhibition. Having lived in Jos since 2017, she debunked negative misconceptions about the city, describing it as peaceful, beautiful, and filled with kind people. Experiencing the exhibition for the first time, she praised its stunning setting, vibrant performances, and creative displays. Omojo said she was inspired to take photos and videos to share with her audience, emphasizing that the event deserves to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Spoken-word artist and tech professional Gideon King (G. King) described the Enchanting Plateau Exhibition as a world-class entertainment platform that fuels creativity and gives artists the visibility they need. He emphasized that art “keeps the world alive,” offering meaning beyond routine survival. G. King encouraged the public to support artists through patronage and promotion and urged creatives to collaborate, uplift one another, and continue striving for excellence. He noted that the exhibition motivates artists to refine their craft and push their creative boundaries.
As the Enchanting Plateau Exhibition 2025 continues through December 7, Odilins Event Center remains a melting pot of entertainment, culture, and artistic brilliance. With powerful endorsements, inspiring performances, and growing public engagement, the exhibition is positioning Plateau State as a rising entertainment hotspot in Nigeria. Organizers, artists, and visitors all agree, the future of Plateau’s creative and entertainment industry is brighter than ever.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
His nomination was transmitted to the Senate on Tuesday in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The President’s communication with the Senate was made public in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
General Musa is set to replace Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned from the cabinet on Monday on health grounds.
Musa, who turns 58 on December 25, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced infantry commanders.
He served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025 and was the recipient of the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa received his early education in the state before proceeding to the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria.
He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986 and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree, earning a commission as Second Lieutenant the same year.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Musa held several operational and command appointments across the Nigerian Army.
His previous roles include General Staff Officer 1, Training and Operations, Headquarters 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative on the Training Team at the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
He served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at the Infantry Centre and Corps in 2019; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and later Commander of Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin.
In 2021, he was appointed Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the military’s flagship counterterrorism operation in the Northeast.
He subsequently became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed CDS in 2023 by President Tinubu.
In his communication to the Senate, President Tinubu said General Musa’s extensive operational experience and leadership record make him eminently qualified to steer the Defence Ministry at a time Nigeria is intensifying efforts to upgrade its security architecture.
The Senate is expected to commence screening of the nominee in the coming days.
The 2025 Enchanting Plateau Exhibition opened in Jos, Odilins Event Center with renewed excitement, drawing artists, cultural figures, and creatives from across the state for a week-long celebration of Plateau’s heritage. With the theme “One,” this year’s edition reinforces the exhibition’s mission of uniting communities through art, promoting tourism, and strengthening cultural identity.
The event began with an impactful address by Chuwang Pwajok, who highlighted the exhibition’s growing importance in the Plateau cultural landscape. He noted that the initiative has become more than a gathering of artists, it is a platform for societal reflection, pride, and healing. Pwajok emphasized that the creative expressions on display mirror the resilience, diversity, and communal spirit that define Plateau State. He commended the young artists whose works capture local narratives—stories of unity, beauty, struggle, and hope, stressing that their creativity is a powerful tool for shaping the state’s cultural future. According to him, Enchanting Plateau is gradually emerging as a cultural signature event that the state must continue to nurture and expand.
Visionary and Founder David Thomas followed with a deeply heartfelt speech that set the tone for the exhibition. He explained that Enchanting Plateau was born out of a simple but powerful dream, to give Plateau artists a global stage and create opportunities that many young creatives lack. Thomas highlighted the challenges artists often face, including limited visibility, lack of appreciation, and financial constraints, noting that despite these obstacles, Plateau remains home to extraordinary talent. He described the exhibition as a bridge between art, culture, tourism, and economic development, calling on government agencies, corporate organizations, and the private sector to see art not just as entertainment but as an investment with long-term value. Thomas thanked His Excellency Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, his team, partners, and supporters for believing in the vision, expressing hope that the exhibition will one day rank among Nigeria’s and Africa’s major cultural events.
In his remarks, Hon. Dachung Bagos praised the initiative for inspiring young creatives and giving them a platform to shine. He emphasized that the creative economy holds enormous potential for wealth creation, citing examples of art pieces that have gained global value over time. Bagos encouraged artists to trademark their works and embrace the business side of creativity, stressing that Plateau’s art can become a major economic asset if properly harnessed.
One of the exhibiting artists, Naomi Adamu, shared her joy at participating for the second time. She described the exhibition as an inspiring space that motivates artists to keep creating despite the challenges within the art sector. Naomi discussed her featured piece, “Symbolic Identity,” made from natural seeds and gourds to reflect the deep cultural roots of Plateau people, including their symbols, values, and traditional communication patterns. She noted that the exhibition strengthens unity among artists and boosts their confidence.
Artist David C. Nwadike also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his work. He said Enchanting Plateau provides essential visibility for young artists and encourages appreciation of local creativity. Nwadike emphasized that monetizing art begins with valuing it locally and called for continuous support for the platform.
Before the event concluded, attendees toured the exhibition stands, admiring artworks that vividly portrayed Plateau’s rich culture, festivals, landscapes, and symbolic heritage. The displays offered visitors a deeper connection to the state’s identity and artistic brilliance.
The 2025 Enchanting Plateau Exhibition continues to reinforce Plateau State as a growing creative hub and a true home of peace and tourism.
