Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has expressed his optimism regarding the state’s potential to emerge as Nigeria’s premier Christmas destination.
Mutfwang stated this during the official unveiling of the 2024 Jos Family Christmas Festival with the themed “A Beautiful Experience”.
The much-anticipated event is set to run from December 21 to December 27, 2024, promising a weeklong celebration of the festive season.
Governor Mutfwang underscored the festival’s potential to establish Plateau as a global tourist attraction during Christmas.
He noted that his administration remains committed to promoting peace, unity, and hope in the state, saying the state with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, it has the potential to become a top tourist destination in Nigeria.
He added, “This festival promises to be an extraordinary event, captivating both local residents and visitors from across the nation. More than just a celebration, it reflects the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ—a time to reflect on His teachings of love, peace, and goodwill,”
“Jos will shine brightly with twinkling lights and the joyous sounds of carols and bells. It will be a chance for us all to come together, celebrate our shared values, and embrace the lives of others with warmth and generosity”.
The General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Mr Chuwang Pwajok further stressed that the festival as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing tourism by crafting unique experiences for visitors.
“We don’t just want visitors to Plateau to come and spend 5–10 minutes at places like Riyom Rock and leave, having seen all these Instead, we’re creating experiences where people can fully immerse themselves in our culture, environment, people, and cuisine during a specific period of the year,”
“We specifically chose the Christmas season because it’s a time when people travel in large numbers. Our goal is for Plateau to share in the tourist revenue generated during Christmas. We want the entire month of December to be vibrant and exciting for anyone visiting Plateau State and Jos,”
Also, we are partnering with the private sector, event planners, and organizations both within and outside the Plateau to make this experience rich and diverse. This way, visitors will feel confident and comfortable, and local businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, will benefit. Even small vendors at our event venues will have an opportunity to earn an income.”he added.
Chief Executive officer of Ecosystem Africa, Sir Rume Ogane confirmed a host of activities, including daily raffle draws, comedy shows, live music, poetry readings, games, and a funfair.
“We’re setting up a vendor market alongside other activities, making sure there’s something for everyone,”.
He also mentioned that the Jos International Film Festival will be part of the celebration, along with collaborations with Tour Plateau and Jos Cycling, among others.
“This year’s lineup promises to offer a little bit of everything, from the Cultural Dance Float to Bonfire Night and even a Runway Fashion Show. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, family entertainment, cultural experiences, or fashion, there will be plenty to keep you entertained,” Ogane explained.
He also introduced the JosDeySafe initiative, which aims to present a positive narrative about Jos through stories shared by residents and celebrities alike.
Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Musa Ashoms while speaking on safety concerns reassured attendees that security measures would be in place, including drone deployment and collaboration with security agencies like Operation Safe Haven.
“There is no reason to be concerned—Plateau is peaceful, safe, and ready to offer a fantastic Christmas experience,” he said.
Ashoms reiterated that Plateau, known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” is ready to host visitors in a secure and welcoming environment.
Contributing to the enthusiasm, Nigerian rapper M.I. Abaga, who serves as the Honorary Special Adviser on Entertainment and Creativity for Plateau State, expressed excitement about the initiative’s potential for global recognition of the region’s arts and culture.
He emphasized that the partnerships being formed not only aim to place Plateau on the map but also foster economic growth and cultural pride within the community.
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