The Plateau State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality has unveiled the Plateau Youth Tourism Roundtable, a forward-thinking platform designed to place young people at the center of tourism development across the state.
Held at the Usiju World Event Centre, Jos, the roundtable gathered government officials, tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to discuss one central question: How can young people shape the future of Plateau’s tourism industry?
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, delivered the keynote address, describing the initiative as a “bold step to reposition Jos and Plateau as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s tourism.”
He emphasized the state’s determination to tell the “Plateau story” differently one that celebrates the land’s natural beauty, diverse culture, and unmatched potential as a destination for leisure, adventure, and investment.
“The future of tourism on the Plateau is youth-driven,” he declared. “Our vision is to make tourism not just an attraction, but a source of livelihood and pride.”
In his welcome remarks, Hon. Chuwang Pwajok, General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Corporation, underscored that the roundtable reflects Governor Mutfwang’s mission to build a sustainable tourism economy through active youth engagement.
He revealed that the government has already begun revamping key attractions like the Hill Station Hotel, Plateau Hotel, and the Jos Wildlife Park laying the groundwork for a tourism renaissance anchored in local participation and creativity.
“We are not just rebuilding structures,” Pwajok said, “we’re rebuilding dreams and young people are the foundation.”
Tourism expert Dr. Eddy Enenta, Director of Tourism at the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Abuja, described the roundtable as a “timely and strategic move.” He stressed that empowering youths through training and mentorship would elevate Plateau’s tourism standards and create new opportunities across the hospitality value chain.
Meanwhile, entrepreneurship coach Victor Kuchili captivated the audience with his session on “Accessing Funding for Tourism Start-ups.” He noted that while innovation creates opportunities, funding gives those ideas life. Citing forecasts that Africa’s tourism market could surpass $2 trillion by 2032, he challenged young entrepreneurs to think beyond passion and focus on structure, value, and sustainability.
An engaging panel session moderated by Ephraim Freezle, CEO of Explore Nigeria, brought together some of the biggest names in tourism Nannah Yakubu (NTDA), Julie Tongrit (Tour Operators Association), Joy Ebere (Former Miss Tourism Nigeria), Christy Abu (HATMAN North-Central), Mark Auta, and Robert Santiago (CEO, Mister and Miss Tourism Africa International).
Their discussions explored everything from branding and storytelling to sustainable partnerships and youth-led innovation. Each speaker echoed one sentiment: Tourism must become an ecosystem where young creatives, investors, and communities thrive together.
Lending his legislative backing, Hon. Owen Dagogot, Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, commended the Ministry for the initiative and assured that the State Assembly is ready to enact policies that protect and promote tourism as part of Plateau’s creative economy.
Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand digital visibility for local creatives
Hon. Bomkam Wuyep, Director General of PLASMIDA, announced new programs that tie peacebuilding with tourism development recognizing peace as the foundation of progress.
The event also featured goodwill messages from NISAL Microfinance Bank and other partners, who expressed their willingness to support young tourism entrepreneurs with capacity-building and financial assistance.
Beyond speeches and panels, the roundtable was alive with performances, networking, and cultural displays, reminding attendees of the color, rhythm, and warmth that make Plateau unique.
As the event drew to a close, Hon. Chuwang Pwajok expressed gratitude to all participants, noting that the conversations ignited at the roundtable must now evolve into tangible projects that put Plateau on the global tourism map.
“Tourism is not just about places it’s about people,” Pwajok said in his closing remarks. “And today, Plateau’s young people have proven that they are ready to take the lead.”
The Plateau Youth Tourism Roundtable may have ended, but it signaled the beginning of a movement one that sees young people not as spectators, but as architects of a new tourism era.
With collaboration, innovation, and inclusion guiding the way, Plateau State is steadily rising as Nigeria’s tourism frontier, powered by its most dynamic resource,its youth.
