By Katdapba Yunana Gobum
It appears Jos art has a unique way of telling the stories of Plateau State. It is a fact,no one can prove to the contrary.
From every day story often told or even heard, they serve the people’s yearnings; to know and more, a reminder of the richness therein to preserve.
Lately, the tourism industry in Plateau State has been largely rediscovered (or so I think) and directed in the most special way; thanks to the foresight of the new Sheriff, Mr. Chuwang Pwajok, the General Manager of Plateau Tourism Corporation.
In an interview in the Tribune recently, he stated that the state’s tourism endowments have repeatedly been hyped, yet the political will power to harness the resource remains largely in the realm of thought.
The new thinking in town is now working for the good of the industry. It is possible after all, that the giant can be woken up from slumber; and play the role expected of it.
The state Tourism Corporation, headed by Mr. Chuwang Pwajok is hot on the heels of a pleasant development that gladens stakeholders’ hearts; moreso, when initiatives so far by the corporation are taken into account.
The recent activities put up by the corporation have got major players in the industry greening from both sides of the mouth. The flood gates of initiatives are, if anything, revealing of how tourism should be undertaken for profit.
No wonder, Enchanting Plateau: An Exhibition, a project of the Plateau Tourism Corporation which started on November 27, 2024 and ended on December 1, 2024 is meant to write the story of the state through arts.
How better can that be. The story of Plateau State can be better told by the people themselves. From the efforts of the exhibition Curator and of Plateau Tourism Corporation, good education is received without questions.
The creativity of participants in the exhibition, according to the state Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and the endowments by nature are able to sell the state to the world.
He noted in copious terms how top government officials and in the private sector are praying to retire to Plateau State. What perhaps have often affected the state are the negative stories that have been sold to the world: That Plateau is not safe; it is not habitable. We are our worst enemies, because we don’t appreciate the beauty God has given us.
In the last one year, the governor stated: We have proved the lie on that story. The state has hosted ambassadors. We have hosted many top rated national conferences and many more in the months to come.
‘We can provide the platform for that if we eschew bitterness and the pull him down syndrome of what is good about the state, according to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
He reiterated thus: Once we tell people what is good about us, we can draw them to the state. Plateau is ours to promote. Indeed, Plateau is yours to sell to the world.
‘It is the influx of people into the state that builds the economy. Once people stay away from here, we will continue to lavish in poverty. We have a lot of things that will bring people into Plateau’.
Plateau Tourism Corporation General Manager, Mr. Chuwang Pwajok believes the exhibition cannot only be a celebration of arts and talents, but of the beautiful landscapes of the state and its rich cultural heritage.
As General Manager of Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Mr. Chuwang Pwajok is ‘continually impressed by the tremendous creativity that springs from the state. Plateau State has always been known as the home of creativity and a village of talents, and this exhibition with countless number of creative tales told in different forms are a testament to that fact’.
We dare say, ‘art tourism plays a significant role in exporting culture, preserving heritage, uniting voices, and showcasing the beauty of a place through tourism. In fact, the World Bank projects that tourism contributes to 8.8% of job creation and 9.1% of the world’s GDP.’
The current administration in Plateau State, according to Mr. Pwajok hopes to take advantage, as ‘this exhibition aligns with the vision of making Plateau State a leading destination for artistic and cultural tourism not only in Nigeria but in the continent at large’.
Importantly, this ‘exhibition reflects the transformative power of collaboration between artists, art lovers, stakeholders, and different audiences in their bid to uplift the state. It is an avenue of not only giving these artists platforms for the expression of their arts, but one that exposes the potentials in Plateau State that needed to be harnessed’ to serve as a hub of tourism and creativity.
The artists whose works were exhibited will suffice for mention here, even as the attraction they brought to the different stands is an indication that it was well conceived and received.
The artists who were on the exhibition platform cut across state boundaries, with varying degrees of experience and excellence. But more compelling are the stories they tell through their mediums.
With their antecedence and proclivity, they massively resonate the mood of the Plateau people; who are indeed on the journey of recreating the tourism potentials of the state through such initiatives.
They are indebted to all the participants at the exhibition. The list is long and may not be exhaustive, however, they include: Ben Duamlong, Ezekiel Udubrae, Ephraim Dankyes, Nyam Abok, Mark Rwang, Joseph Yawus, Jacob Enemona Onoja and Musa Tukurah.
Others Danjuma Sumdi Misok, Remchi Viga, Kureng Dapel, Gabriel Adetona, Ezea Stanley Chibuzo and Kenneth Juliet Ugochukwu. There are many on the list.