By LOIS DADUUT & CHRISTY ZI
The Plateau State Government has intensified its efforts to empower youth through innovative initiatives in tourism and entrepreneurship.
This was done through the Plateau Youth Tourism Roundtable organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality at the Usuji Event Centre in Jos.
The event sought to engage young people in shaping the future of Plateau’s tourism industry, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and intergenerational participation.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Tourism, Cornelius Doeyok, disclosed that the Mutfwang administration had been working tirelessly to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
He noted that the economic future of the state lay largely within the tourism sector, adding that government was engaging young people to help them identify opportunities inherent in tourism.
“Tourism innovation isn’t just about building monuments; it’s about creating new pathways for engagement, digital storytelling, and showcasing the state’s unique identity,” Doeyok said.
He stressed the importance of sustainability, eco-friendly practices and integrating local agricultural products into the hospitality value chain.
The Commissioner challenged the youth to become content creators, digital marketers, and global ambassadors for Plateau State.
He urged them to leverage technology and innovation to build the next generation of tourism applications, platforms and experiences that highlighted Plateau’s natural beauty and rich culture.
In his welcome address, the General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Corporation, Chuwang Pwajok, said the initiative aimed to revitalise the state’s tourism infrastructure while educating citizens on its immense economic potential.
Pwajok explained that the focus was to “build entrepreneurship and a sustainable future in terms of economic empowerment for our young people and create opportunities to impact skills and means of livelihood for the younger generation.”
He expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for supporting the initiative, commending the governor’s commitment to youth empowerment and tourism development.
In her goodwill message, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, appreciated the collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Corporation, describing it as a positive step towards harnessing the state’s human capital.
“Bringing together the wonderful brains on the Plateau is a testament to the potential that lies within us, and it is our prayer that we will reap the benefits of this collaboration,” she said.
She further noted that the government was creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive, particularly in areas such as fashion, crafts and other local products that showcase the state’s creativity and heritage.
Guest speakers at the event included Mr Eddy Enenta, Director of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Abuja, and Mr Victor Kuchili, a renowned entrepreneur in Jos, who both spoke on the theme: ‘Empowering Plateau Youths Through Tourism Innovation and Entrepreneurship’.
Some of the participants — including Jamima Nyako, a model and filmmaker; Joshua Peter Zang, a singer and songwriter; and Racheal Apollos, a pageant organiser and Director of Face Beauty in Jos — expressed joy over the initiative, describing it as a bridge between Plateau youths and government for meaningful dialogue.
They said the programme would help them network, collaborate and position Plateau youths as key drivers of the state’s economic development.
They also disclosed that the event offered them the opportunity to share their challenges directly with government officials.
Highlights of the event included a roundtable discussion panel, music performances and cultural dances.
The occasion was attended by top government officials, artists, entrepreneurs and beauty queens from across the state.