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By Nana Theresa, Elisha Chebwawaza G., and Anna-Nancy E.
JOS, NIGERIA — Plateau State has taken a bold step toward redefining its economic future with the launch of the maiden edition of the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST 1.0), a landmark initiative aimed at positioning the state as a leading center for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The festival, officially declared open by Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, attracted key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and the innovation ecosystem, including the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. Their presence underscored a growing partnership between federal and state governments to accelerate technology-driven development and unlock new economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
The event commenced with the rendition of the national anthem, setting the stage for what many participants described as a defining moment in Plateau State’s journey toward building a knowledge-based economy.
Mutfwang Unveils Vision for a Technology-Powered Plateau
H.E. Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, speaking at PLASSTIFEST 1.0
Declaring the festival officially open, Governor Caleb Mutfwang unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Plateau State into one of Nigeria’s leading technology and innovation destinations.
The governor expressed confidence in the talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential of young people in the state, arguing that Plateau possesses the human capital required to compete with established innovation ecosystems across the country.
We do not need to look outside Nigeria for world-class talent, The talent is already here in Jos and across Plateau State. What we need is to create the environment that allows it to thrive. H.E. Mutfwang
He outlined plans to modernize key sectors of the state’s economy through technology adoption, particularly agriculture, which remains a major source of livelihood for many residents.
The governor expressed hope that mechanization and innovation would gradually replace outdated farming methods and significantly improve productivity across the agricultural value chain.
Beyond agriculture, Mutfwang pledged continued support for young innovators and entrepreneurs through strategic investments and ecosystem development initiatives.
A major highlight of his address was the announcement of plans to establish a state-of-the-art innovation hub designed to serve as a collaborative space for innovators, startups, researchers, and technology professionals.
The proposed facility, according to the governor, will provide the infrastructure, resources, and support systems needed to help young people transform ideas into viable businesses and globally competitive solutions.
Reimagining Plateau Through Innovation
In his welcome address, the Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, described PLASSTIFEST as more than a technology event.
According to him, the festival represents a strategic shift in the state’s development agenda and serves as a platform for nurturing innovation, encouraging collaboration, and creating opportunities for young innovators.
Anchored on the theme, “Reimagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” the festival seeks to bring together researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and students to explore how science and technology can drive sustainable development.
Dr. Bako noted that the initiative was designed to create an environment where ideas can evolve into practical solutions capable of addressing local and national challenges.
This is not just a festival; it is an ecosystem-building platform where innovation meets opportunity,” Dr. Bako Cletus.
The commissioner explained that participants would have the opportunity to showcase innovative projects, engage with industry experts, compete for prizes, and explore pathways for commercializing their ideas.
The opening ceremony also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders and a colorful cultural performance that highlighted Plateau State’s rich heritage while welcoming guests from across the country.
Federal Government Backs Plateau’s Innovation Ambition
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, commended Governor Mutfwang for championing innovation-led development and described the festival as a model that other states could emulate.
The minister stressed that innovation should not remain a conference topic but must translate into practical outcomes that improve lives and strengthen the economy.
The future is already here, The conversations and ideas generated during this festival must continue beyond this event and be transformed into actions that create real impact. Dr. Nnaji
He emphasized the growing role of science, technology, and innovation in national development, describing them as critical drivers of economic growth, competitiveness, and national security.
According to him, Nigeria must create stronger links between academic research and industry to ensure that innovations developed within universities and research institutions reach the market.
Knowledge must generate wealth, If an innovation remains in the laboratory and never reaches the marketplace, its impact remains limited. Dr. Nnaji
Dr. Nnaji further highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting innovation ecosystems across the country, noting that collaboration between government, academia, investors, and private-sector players would be crucial to achieving sustainable growth.
Building Solutions That Attract Investment
The conversation around innovation and commercialization continued with remarks from the Chairman of PLASSTIFEST, Dr. Armstrong Takang, represented by Mr. Anthony Mayo of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
Addressing innovators and startup founders at the event, Mayo challenged participants to focus on solving clearly defined problems and building solutions that create measurable value.
He emphasized that successful innovation is not merely about developing products but about understanding market needs and creating solutions capable of attracting investment and scaling sustainably.
If you cannot clearly explain the problem you are solving in one sentence, then there is still work to be done. Mr. Mayo.
Mayo encouraged innovators to develop products with real-world relevance while urging governments and investors to play a more active role in supporting early-stage ventures.
His remarks highlighted the importance of creating an ecosystem where innovation can move from concept to commercialization through access to funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.
The symposium session concluded with remarks from the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, who reinforced the need for policy frameworks that support innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development.
A New Chapter for Plateau’s Digital Economy
The launch of PLASSTIFEST 1.0 marks a significant milestone in Plateau State’s efforts to diversify its economy and position itself as a hub for science, technology, and innovation.
As conversations around digital transformation continue to shape the future of nations and economies, stakeholders at the event agreed that innovation must become a central pillar of development planning.
For Plateau State, the festival represents more than a gathering of policymakers and innovators. It signals the beginning of a broader movement to harness local talent, attract investment, encourage research commercialization, and create opportunities for the next generation of technology leaders.
If the commitments announced at PLASSTIFEST translate into sustained action, Plateau State may well be on its way to becoming one of Nigeria’s most important emerging innovation ecosystems, turning Governor Mutfwang’s vision of a technology-powered future into reality.
