Jos at Christmas is where to be

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum

Jos Plateau has always been a destination platform for various reasons. Sadly however, for being on the wrong side of insecurity; the state almost became a pariah environment.

Tried as much as it was humanly possible to extricate itself, its people and communities from the prism of wrong accusations; that further took away the innocence of the state.

In the estimation of some people, Plateau could not be trusted to be a good host. They alleged that Plateau was hostile to visitors, while not taking into consideration the tribulations the state kept going through.

The more the murderous attacks on the state increased, the deeper its fortunes sank. But before long, the picture of the innocence of the state had made inroads into the hearts of many; who hitherto had been made to believe Plateau and its people were hostile.

Love or hate Plateau State, it remains the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’. It is a destination, which, in the estimation of many, has not been fully utilised; as its peers have long been in the big leagues of the states benefiting from tourism.

Those who sought to obliterate the peace of the Plateau people may be uncomfortable that the never-say-die spirit is, in the main, back and working for the good of the state.

If anyone gave Plateau the space to bring life back to tourism and other recreational initiatives, it is the people themselves; who, knowing the power of the state’s endowment would not want it to be wasted.

There is no hiding the fact, Plateau State has entered a phase of using its enormous endowments to develop its tourism industry. It does not need to be told, tourism is the new black gold, here and in many states.

When the Jos Family Christmas Festival, an initiative of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, began in 2023, it was not meant to be an experiment. It was an idea whose time has already come.

In fact, it was not meant to test the waters, it was the harbinger of the good things that were being expected in the tourism industry. The maiden voyage, in all honesty, indicated that it was well received; and it needed to be continued, but on a bigger scale.

No wonder, in an industry where there are willing partners to invest in the initiative, all that there is to start is the buy-in of the government. It is possible for this, given the enthusiasm of the Plateau State government.

At the unveiling of the Jos Family Christmas Festival at the Usuji World Events Centre on October 14, 2024, a clearer picture of what the initiative was all about was revealed, thanks to the Plateau State Tourism Corporation.

Its key partner, Eco System Africa through its CEO Rume Ogane, reeled some of the major events expected to hold in the month of December.

With a theme: Beautiful Experience, the number of activities expected during the festival are varied and interesting. The assignment has been well noted and well organised as to get value in entertainment and business activities.

Consider a few of them: Food landscape, bonfire, art exhibition, little Miss Tourism, cultural afloat dance driving round the city, runway fashion show and family cooking competition as well as family dance competition among others.

They are uniquely put in place such that theatre performances, raffle draw, music, poetry and spoken words will be done in partnership and collaboration. The bottom line is for the festival to be unique to Plateau but competitive with others outside the state.

If you are not in Jos for the month of December, pray, say where else you would like to be? Attention will shift to Jos the ultimate tourism destination, as other partners: Plateau International Firm Festival, Tour Plateau, Jos Hikers Polo Club have keyed into the initiative.

The festival, in the words of George Chuwang Pwajok, General Manager of the Tourism Corporation is to ‘drive tourists’ traffic to Plateau, to experience our unique landscape, rich culture, and hospitality. Instead of brief stops, we are creating immersive experiences where visitors can connect with our people, culture, and environment’.

But even more, the goal for the initiative is to make Jos as the must-sought after holiday spot, thereby bringing economic growth and supporting local businesses thrive.

When Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang made him the General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Chuwang Pwajok did not need handouts to get to work.

Long before he was handed the job in the third quarter of year 2023; for many who knew, he was an insider in the industry already.

They knew that It was just a matter of time before the latent acumen resident in him would manifest itself in the industry.

They were not wrong. The space created for him came pretty expected and more interesting given the state’s desire to be far removed from just being considered in name as ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’.

The ideas he initiated that started to manifest almost immediately, having mounted the saddle were what anyone in the industry would expect.

Without desparaging some of the past activities the industry had done, it is without doubt that lessons have been learnt; what is being planned is a resolve to get better than what used to obtain.

Mr Incredible, Nigerian rapper and Honorary Special Adviser on Entertainment and Creativity for Plateau State, Jude MI Abaga, is enthusiastic that it ‘is an opportunity for global recognition of our arts, culture, and people’.

Hon Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, Plateau’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, speaking matter of factly, reminded Nigerians that Plateau’s climate is ‘perfect, our people are welcoming, and our landscape is breathtaking’.

The state is indeed ‘fully prepared with enhanced security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all’. There can be no better assurance of the safety of the visitors than this.

Echoing this sentiment, Sir Rume Ogane, CEO of Eco Systems Africa and a key festival partner, insist that ‘My Jos Is Safe’ slogan should be on the lips of every tourism lover. If everyone did, the city’s appeal would be felt everywhere.

With enhanced security, diverse entertainment initiative, and a commitment to economic growth, the Jos Family Christmas Festival is set to make Plateau State a festive hub for visitors from far and near.