By MWANLONG KEFAS
The Plateau State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality has hosted its maiden Plateau Creative Industry Engagement aimed at unlocking the potential of the creative economy for sustainable tourism and innovation in the state.
The event, held at the Sarau Event Centre, Jos, brought together stakeholders from across various creative sectors to deliberate on strategies for collaboration and growth.
Declaring the engagement open, Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Mr Cornelius Doeyok, explained that the initiative was designed to foster synergy between government and key players in the creative industry.
He noted that Governor Mutfwang’s administration recognised the creative sector as a major driver of economic growth and social development that remained largely untapped.
“This engagement is a bridge between government and the creative sector,” Doeyok said.
“Our goal is to create an enabling environment where creativity can thrive, innovation can be rewarded, and tourism can flourish in the state.”
The commissioner identified film, fashion design, crafts, poetry, music, comedy, photography and digital content creation as integral components of the creative sector, stressing that if properly harnessed, they could generate employment and promote Plateau’s rich cultural heritage.
Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr Owen Dogogot, pledged his support for the proposed Creative Industry Bill, assuring participants that he would back its passage when presented before the legislature.
He also commended the commissioner for initiating the engagement.
The forum attracted participants from Nollywood, Kannywood, authors’ associations, comedians, DJs, poets, crafters, content creators and other creative groups.
Each sector presented its challenges and offered recommendations to enhance productivity and visibility.
Several participants described the event as a “bold step” by the ministry to reposition Plateau State as a creative hub in Nigeria.
They expressed optimism that the government’s renewed interest in the industry would lead to new policies, grants and partnerships to support local talent and investment.
Representatives of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and Kannywood, Mr Lonny and Mr Sani Muazu, called for government access and security support for local film productions.
Others, including members of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and allied groups, urged the government to support indigenous artists, promote their works, endorse their associations and provide affordable infrastructure for their activities.
In his closing remarks, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Nyam M. Agwom, thanked participants for their valuable contributions and assured them that their recommendations would be implemented.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building partnerships that would strengthen tourism, culture, peace and the creative economy in Plateau State.
The event concluded with a collective resolution to promote unity, collaboration and professionalism among creative practitioners in the state.
Many participants expressed confidence that the engagement marked the beginning of a new era for the creative industry on the Plateau.