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By Nana Theresa, Elisha Chebwawaza G., and Anna-Nancy E.
The maiden edition of the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST 1.0) showcased the growing capacity of local innovators to develop practical solutions to some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. From renewable energy alternatives and smart utility management systems to urban farming technologies, indigenous manufacturing, and digital innovation, exhibitors demonstrated how science and technology can be harnessed to solve real-life problems while driving economic growth.
The event brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and technology enthusiasts, providing a platform to showcase products and ideas designed to improve lives and promote sustainable development across Plateau State and beyond.
Among the standout exhibitors were Afresh, Zang Global, Teekaytronics Engineering Services, Ural Ultimate Job Limited, and a team of innovators from Government Science and Technical College, Bukuru, who presented an urban farming solution aimed at transforming food production.
Zang Global Tackles Energy Challenges with Indigenous Power Banks
Zang Global Products
One of the innovations attracting attention at the festival was the range of power bank solutions developed by Zang Global, an indigenous company founded by Mr. Zang Luka.
Representing the company, technician Manasseh Emmanuel explained that the innovation was inspired by the persistent challenge of inadequate electricity supply, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, the company’s products are designed to provide alternative power solutions for electronic devices in locations where electricity remains unreliable or inaccessible.
These products have been built to solve the challenges of lack of electricity, especially in rural areas where power supply is insufficient. The power banks are meant to power electronic devices in such environments. Manasseh Emmanuel
The innovation reflects the growing efforts by local manufacturers to create practical energy solutions capable of supporting digital inclusion and economic activities in underserved communities.
Afresh Promotes African Innovation Through Technology Development
Another notable exhibitor was AFRESH, an innovation hub whose name stands for African Revolutionary Entrepreneurship Support Hub.
Speaking during the exhibition, Innocent Uguru explained that the organization’s mission is rooted in reducing Africa’s dependence on imported technologies by developing locally made alternatives.
There are many things that happen outside Africa that we import into Nigeria. The goal of Afresh is to make those things here in Nigeria and Africa. Innocent Uguru
The organization operates across multiple technology sectors, including software development, robotics, animation, artificial intelligence, graphic design, videography, drone technology, and hardware production.
AFRESH smart power-sharing system
Beyond product development, AFRESH also runs an academy that focuses on nurturing talent rather than hiring only experienced professionals.
We don’t employ experts alone; we employ people who want to grow. Through Afresh Academy, we teach software development, robotics, animation, AI video creation, graphic design, videography, and drone piloting. Uguru
The organization showcased several innovations at the festival, including a smart power-sharing system designed to address electricity billing disputes among tenants sharing a common electricity meter. The solution enables each tenant to monitor and control electricity consumption independently through a sub-unit connected to the main power source.
According to Uguru, the system ensures fairness by automatically disconnecting users once their allocated electricity quota has been exhausted while allowing others to continue using power.
Smart Attendance and E-Voting Systems Address Local Challenges
- AFRESH E-Voting Systems and AFRESH Smart Attendance
Afresh also unveiled a smart attendance management system designed to replace manual attendance registers commonly used in organizations.
The system utilizes smart cards to record employee attendance automatically, capturing arrival and departure times while transmitting data to a centralized web platform. The innovation offers organizations improved efficiency, transparency, and easier workforce management.
Another solution attracting interest was the company’s indigenous electronic voting system. The system combines card-based authentication and biometric verification to provide secure voting capabilities while ensuring that sensitive voter data remains within local infrastructure.
Uguru emphasized the importance of developing indigenous digital solutions capable of safeguarding national data sovereignty.
Our goal is to create solutions where our information remains within our own systems instead of being controlled externally.Uguru
The innovations align with broader conversations around digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and local technology development across Africa.
Vertical Farming Innovation Brings Agriculture into Urban Spaces
The agriculture sector was also well represented at the festival through an innovative vertical farming platform developed by students and innovators from Government Science and Technical College, Bukuru.
Representing the team, Donfula Sunday described the system as an urban farming technology designed for home-based food production. The solution integrates fish farming, vegetable cultivation, and maggot production into a single ecosystem that promotes sustainable agriculture.
According to the developers, nutrient-rich water from the fish pond is used to irrigate vegetables, while maggots produced within the system serve as feed for the fish. The result is a circular farming model that minimizes waste while maximizing productivity.
The innovation supports the cultivation of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and celery using highly organic methods that eliminate dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Chemical fertilizers expose people to health risks. This system is entirely organic and biotechnology-driven. Sunday.
The team believes the technology can help address food security concerns while encouraging urban residents to participate in agriculture.
Affordable and Sustainable Farming for Modern Cities
Despite its sophisticated appearance, the developers emphasized that the system can be adapted to suit different budgets.
While the exhibition prototype utilized a metal framework, the team noted that similar systems could be constructed using more affordable materials such as wood. The design also eliminates several common agricultural challenges, including extensive weeding and inefficient water use.
According to the developers, the technology is particularly suitable for urban environments where space is limited and demand for fresh organic produce continues to rise.
By combining aquaculture, irrigation, and organic farming into a single solution, the innovation demonstrates how technology can contribute to more sustainable food systems.
Turning Plastic Waste into Valuable Resources
Environmental sustainability was another major theme at PLASSTIFEST 1.0.
Engineer T.K. Alabi of Teekaytronics Engineering Services showcased a locally fabricated machine designed to convert discarded plastic bottles into reusable fibers. The innovation addresses two critical challenges simultaneously: environmental pollution and unemployment.
According to Alabi, the machine processes empty plastic bottles by shredding and transforming them into fibers that can be used in manufacturing products such as pillows, winter clothing, and other textile materials.
During the demonstration, he explained how different types of plastic bottles produce different fiber outputs, highlighting the commercial potential of waste recycling.
This material has become a nuisance in our environment, but it can be turned into wealth. Alabi
The innovation presents opportunities for job creation across the recycling value chain, from waste collection to processing and manufacturing. However, Alabi identified unreliable electricity supply as one of the major obstacles affecting production and expansion.
To address this challenge, he revealed plans to develop solar-powered alternatives capable of supporting continuous operations without dependence on the national grid.
Herbal Innovation Supports Natural Healthcare Solutions
The healthcare sector was represented by Ural Ultimate Job Limited, a company specializing in herbal remedies and natural healthcare products.
Company representative Jerry Jimmy explained that the organization produces a range of herbal medicines in various forms, including capsules, tea bags, and powdered formulations.
The products are developed using natural and organic ingredients aimed at supporting human health and wellness. As interest in alternative medicine and plant-based healthcare continues to grow globally, indigenous companies such as Ural Ultimate Job Limited are positioning themselves within an expanding market that values natural health solutions.
Building a Culture of Innovation in Plateau State
The innovations showcased at PLASSTIFEST 1.0 demonstrate the growing potential of Plateau State as an emerging hub for science, technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
What stood out across the various exhibitions was a common theme: solving local problems through local innovation.
Whether addressing energy access, food security, healthcare delivery, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, or workforce management, the exhibitors demonstrated a strong commitment to developing practical solutions tailored to African realities.
The event also highlighted the importance of supporting innovation ecosystems through investment, policy support, infrastructure development, and talent cultivation. As Nigeria continues its journey toward a knowledge-driven economy, platforms such as PLASSTIFEST provide valuable opportunities for innovators to showcase their capabilities, attract partnerships, and contribute to national development.
The success of the maiden edition signals promising prospects for future editions and reinforces the critical role that science, technology, and innovation will play in shaping Africa’s future. For many of the exhibitors, PLASSTIFEST 1.0 was more than an exhibition, it was an opportunity to demonstrate that world-class innovation can be developed, manufactured, and scaled from within Nigeria.
