From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has described Plateau State as the bedrock and home of Nigeria’s orange economy, saying the state is strategically positioned to lead in film, music, innovation, tourism and creative entrepreneurship.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Ach. Samuel Jatau, stated this on Monday during a courtesy visit by participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Executive Course 48 at Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
He welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Governor and noted that the administration is passionate about NIPSS, with many alumni serving in government including his Executive Private Secretary and some Commissioners and Permanent secretaries
Mutfwang said Plateau has always supported NIPSS study tours and senior executive courses across successive administrations.
Speaking on ‘The orange economy: Entrepreneurship for sustainable development in Nigeria,’ Mutfwang said it was timely and fitting that the study is being done in Plateau because of the state’s contributions to the creative industry.
”When you talk about the orange economy, you must talk about Plateau State. In Nollywood, most of the big actors came from Jos, went to UniJos, or grew up here. In music, P-Square, M.I, 2Baba – these are all Jos people. In sports and innovation it’s the same story. Even in the Vice President’s skill acquisition scheme, Plateau has produced six national winners so far,” he said.
The Governor said the state is partnering with UNDP on a Tourism Master Plan and is reviving key assets through PPP arrangements.
He listed the Jos Wildlife Park, Plateau Hotel, and Hill Station Hotel which will resume operations in October and the ongoing renovation of the Rwang Pam Township Stadium as part of efforts to boost tourism and employment.
In science, technology and innovation, Mutfwang said the government is working with the Federal Ministry of Communications to establish a Business Process Outsourcing Centre in Jos to enable young people work remotely for global clients.
”The value chain in tourism and the Orange Economy in terms of employment is massive, and that is what young people are interested in today. It’s the future,” he added, citing examples of young Plateau entrepreneurs like Donald Osofo of Kora.
The Head of the NIPSS Delegation, who represented the Director General, Prof Ayo Omotayo, appreciated the warm reception accorded the team by the government and people of Plateau State since their arrival from NIPSS, Kuru.
He said the visit was in continuation of a presidential mandate to interrogate the 2025 theme of the Orange Economy.
He explained that NIPSS, established in 1979, is the nation’s foremost policy think-tank and high-level center for research and dialogue.
The delegation leader noted that under the Orange Economy, the team is focusing on the film industry, music industry, creative arts, and tourism.
”When you talk about Plateau State, you talk about peace and tourism. And tourism is one of the legs we are interrogating. We are here to look at what the state government is doing, the issues, the challenges, and how we can proffer a way forward,” he said.
He assured that findings from the engagement will form part of policy recommendations to the Presidency aimed at structuring the creative sector for youth employment and access to affordable loans.
The delegation, drawn from the military, police, paramilitary, public and private sectors, is in Plateau to get more facts and details from the state government to enable them make researchable recommendations.