Jos is gearing up for an unforgettable festive season as the Jos Family Christmas Festival 3.0 returns this December with a jam-packed lineup of activities designed for the entire family. Running from December 21st to 31st, the festival will take place beside the Airforce Base on Jonah Jang Way, promising a magical experience for residents and visitors alike.
Organizers invite families, friends, and tourists to “Experience the Magic. Discover the Plateau” through a diverse array of activities. Highlights of the festival include the Jos Family Fitness Festival, Runway Cocktail, Primary and Secondary Essay Competition, Little Miss Tourism, Incredible Music Festival, Drive-in Cinema, Music and Basketball, Festival Float, a GWR Longest Painting Record, and a Weekend Variety Night.
With support from leading brands such as Milo, Keystone Bank, Glo, Chivita Active, MTN, Samsung, Infinix, Oppo, and others, the festival promises a blend of entertainment, culture, and creativity.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for this month-long celebration that promises excitement for all ages, while also highlighting the beauty and cultural richness of Plateau State.
For families looking to celebrate the season with fun, music, sports, and creativity, the Jos Family Christmas Festival 3.0 is the place to be this December.
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in partnership with the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has opened the 13th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE). The event brings together government officials and industry stakeholders to discuss key issues in the nation’s digital landscape.
The five-day programme, holding at Crispan Suites and Event Centre in Jos, is themed “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Sustainable Growth Through Innovation.” The meeting aims to strengthen digital inclusion and support sustainable national development through technology-driven strategies.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Plateau State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Lamba Peter Bot, expressed joy at hosting delegates for the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. He described the meeting as a renewed commitment to shaping Nigeria’s future through technology and inclusive digital growth.
He noted that the theme serves as a call to action, urging participants to bridge gaps between the connected and unconnected while promoting innovation and youth empowerment. He reaffirmed the council’s role in driving sustainability, supporting startups and building solutions that will strengthen the nation’s digital economy.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, emphasised that this year’s theme reflects the urgent need to accelerate inclusive digital transformation across the country. He noted that digital technology now drives key sectors and must be used to shape Nigeria’s economic future.
He explained that bridging digital gaps is central to the Ministry’s mandate, stressing the importance of expanding broadband access, strengthening digital skills and ensuring that no community or demographic is left behind. He added that sound policies and regulations are necessary to protect citizens while encouraging innovation.
Engr. Gagare also highlighted the need to position Nigeria as a leading hub for digital services and innovation. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting startups, promoting e-government services and creating an enabling environment that will drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
Declaring the Technical meeting open, The Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, welcomed delegates to the 13th meeting of the National Council on Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy. Representing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, he extended warm greetings to all participants from across Nigeria.
Dr. Shurkuk emphasized the council’s theme, “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Sustainable Growth Through Innovation.” He highlighted the importance of equitable access, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for every citizen to contribute to national development.
He affirmed Plateau State’s commitment to innovation, including supporting startups, developing digital solutions, and partnering with global organizations. He officially declared the session open, urging all participants to collaborate in shaping a digital future that is inclusive and sustainable.
Speaking during, Dr. Datong Dominic Gwanman, Director General of PICTDA, expressed pride in Plateau State hosting the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. He noted that this reflects the state government’s strong support for technology and digital innovation.
He highlighted that PICTDA is driving digital transformation by moving manual processes to data-driven systems. The agency has completed the digitalization of school management and plans to expand digital solutions across other sectors to promote inclusive development.
Mr. Abba Guguwa, Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized that the program aims to establish comprehensive memos to guide institutional transformation. He stated that such measures would accelerate processes and contribute significantly to the economic and societal advancement of Nigeria.
Also Speaking, Dr Garba Gandu, Senior Adviser Technical, To Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, highlighted that in the fast-evolving digital era, the program aims to advance Nigeria’s digital economy through strategic decisions and approvals. He emphasized the importance of adopting global best practices while promoting digital skills, upskilling, and cross-skilling to ensure the nation remains competitive in the first technological revolution.
Engr. Nadungu Gagare concluded the session by reviewing memoranda on advancing rural telecommunications and promoting data privacy. The proposals focused on sustainable practices, job creation, and mandatory training to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and align with global best practices.
The long-anticipated political-literary work, KWALLU: Duels With Political Lizards by CD JAN (popularly known as JANJAN), has officially hit the market — and readers can now purchase their copies online.
The book, already generating buzz for its boldness and artistic depth, explores the political battles, resilience, and remarkable journey of Chief Hon. (Dr.) Isaac Kyale Kwallu, the Dan Masanin Qua’an-Pan, widely regarded as the Ballot Box General from Plateau State. With an unapologetically vivid narrative, the author brings to life the triumphs, turbulence, and truths that define Kwallu’s political odyssey.
Described as compelling, fearless, and richly poetic, KWALLU: Duels With Political Lizards goes beyond political commentary — it is a mirror held up to power, courage, and the complexities of leadership. Readers will encounter storytelling that is not only engaging but also deeply reflective of Nigeria’s political landscape.
The book is now available and can be purchased through Selar via the link below: 👉 https://selar.com/kwallu
About the Author
CD JAN is a renowned Poet, Author, and Critic from Qua’an Pan LGA in Plateau State. A graduate of Theatre and Film Arts from the University of Jos, he is celebrated for his incisive intellect and creative range. His achievements include:
1st place winner in the Spoken Word competition at NUTAF 2017, University of Benin
Certificate of Excellence in Criticism from the International Association of Theatre Critics
Membership in the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the International Association of Theatre Critics
Author of Murder The Pen, published in 2025 by the AAWP in Australia
With KWALLU: Duels With Political Lizards, CD JAN cements his place among bold contemporary voices unafraid to interrogate power and truth.
The book is officially out. The literary storm has arrived — and it’s yours to own.
The grand finale of the Enchanting Plateau Exhibition 2025 brought together artists, cultural leaders, government officials, and creative industry stakeholders to celebrate a groundbreaking year for Plateau State’s artistic community. The week-long exhibition, held at Odilins Event Center, showcased exceptional talent across visual arts and reinforced the state’s growing influence in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
Jury Leader Dr. Jacob Enemona Onoja praised the exhibition as the first of its kind in Plateau State, applauding its structure and the impressive quality of entries. He urged artists to refine their finishing, scale, and overall artistic depth as they prepare for future competitions. Dr. Onoja outlined key evaluation criteria, artistic ingenuity, relevance to the theme “One,” technical proficiency, artist statements, and finishing, explaining that multiple assessment rounds informed jury decisions across painting, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, textiles, and photography. He encouraged more creatives to enter next year, noting that the ₦500,000 prize per category should inspire higher artistic excellence.
Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality, Cornelius Doeyok, described the exhibition as a landmark cultural achievement. Representing the government of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transforming artistic talent into economic value, “talent into cash.” Doeyok expressed amazement at the artworks displayed, saying they rival pieces found in global art hubs like Paris, Morocco, and the U.S. He stressed that Plateau possesses a cultural heritage “beyond measure” and argued that such events reclaim the state’s identity from global distractions. He promised a bigger and better edition next year, emphasizing the need to project Plateau’s creative excellence beyond its borders.
Director General of the Plateau State Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Ephraim Dankyes, commended convener David Thomas for conceiving the Enchanting Plateau initiative. He highlighted its role in bridging gaps in artistic interconnectedness and praised Dr. Knoepke’s longstanding exhibition efforts. Dankyes said the event celebrates unity, creativity, and the rediscovery of long-hidden talents. He expressed confidence that future editions will attract wider national participation and further elevate Plateau’s cultural identity.
Virtual art competition winner Vikala Sati shared her joy at emerging first in her category. She thanked organizers for creating a platform that uplifts young creatives and explained that her winning artwork, Plateau Convergence, symbolizes unity among Plateau’s diverse tribes. By merging cultural symbols and landmarks into a single composition, she illustrated the exhibition’s theme of oneness and the beauty that emerges when people coexist peacefully.
Convener David Thomas delivered heartfelt closing remarks, expressing gratitude to dignitaries, government partners, and artists for their support. He emphasized that the vision of Enchanting Plateau is to ensure creatives are seen, heard, and appreciated without leaving the state. Thomas celebrated the progress made within just one year and reaffirmed that the coming editions, especially 2026, will be bigger, bolder, and more globally oriented. He thanked Governor Mutfwang for his unwavering support, affirming that “the world is waiting for Plateau’s talent.”
The Enchanting Plateau Exhibition 2025 concluded as a powerful testament to the state’s cultural richness, artistic excellence, and collective determination to build a thriving creative economy. With resounding endorsements from government officials, cultural leaders, and the artists themselves, the event set a new benchmark for artistic expression in Plateau State. It not only celebrated unity and creativity but also positioned the state for greater national and global recognition. As preparations for the 2026 edition begin immediately, stakeholders remain optimistic that the next chapter will be bigger, more inclusive, and even more impactful, propelling Plateau’s creatives onto the world stage.
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.
