By RAY FWANGYES
From November 28 to 30, the Ten Commandments Monument in Doi-Du, Jos South Local Government Area, hosted the second Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, attracting over 15,000 worshippers each evening under an atmosphere filled with praise and celebration.
Organised by the Plateau State Government in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau Chapter, the three-day festival featured outstanding performances by mass choirs, trumpet ensembles, children’s Bible quizzes and renowned artistes including Sinach, Buchi, among others.
Speaking on the first day of the festival, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the presence of the former Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and stressed that the gathering was more than just a carol service.
“This is a deliberate initiative by this administration to foster unity among our diverse communities, to break barriers, and to strengthen the bonds that make us one people under God,” he said.
The governor described the festival as a tool for healing, unity and social cohesion, ensuring free shuttle buses and tight security for the safety of all attendees.
High-profile guests, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, also participated.
Pastor Enenche preached on divine restoration, affirming: “Plateau is rising again. What the enemy meant for evil, God is turning to a global testimony.”
Beyond its spiritual significance, the festival created an immediate economic impact.
Hundreds of hawkers and small vendors lined the roads, selling Santa hats, bottled water, popcorn, Christmas lights, rechargeable lanterns, branded Carol T-shirts and other food items, creating a festive mini-market that operated from noon until past midnight.
Local traders reported earnings three to four times higher than on regular weekends.
“I made brisk business,” said Lami Gyang, a small-scale entrepreneur who sold moi moi and gruel during the event.
The influx of visitors also boosted the state’s revenue from the hospitality and transport sectors, as testified by three Keke NAPEP commercial riders—Mr Rufus Zi, Dan Azimi, and Papa. Papa shared his satisfaction: “Business has been very good. By the end of the Carols, I should be able to get Christmas rice and clothes for my children.”
Some restaurants in Jos temporarily relocated to Ten Commandments to benefit from the increased footfall while still participating in the carols by viewing the event on the big screens.
“Business couldn’t be better,” one restaurateur confirmed.
As fireworks lit up the night sky during the grand finale, Governor Mutfwang announced that the 2026 edition would expand into a week-long international festival, promising even greater opportunities for faith, commerce and tourism in Plateau State, widely celebrated as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’.