2025 Enchanting Plateau Exhibition Kicks Off in Jos with Celebration of Art and Culture
The 2025 Enchanting Plateau Exhibition opened at Odilins Event Center in Jos with renewed excitement, drawing artists, cultural figures, and creatives from across the state for a week-long celebration of Plateau’s heritage. Themed “One,” this year’s edition underscores the exhibition’s mission to unite communities through art, promote tourism, and strengthen cultural identity.
The event commenced with an impactful address by Chuwang Pwajok, who highlighted the exhibition’s growing significance in Plateau’s cultural landscape. He noted that the initiative has evolved beyond a simple gathering of artists into a platform for societal reflection, pride, and healing. Pwajok emphasized that the creative works on display mirror the resilience, diversity, and communal spirit defining Plateau State. He commended young artists whose pieces capture local narratives stories of unity, beauty, struggle, and hope stressing that their creativity is a powerful tool in shaping the state’s cultural future. According to him, Enchanting Plateau is gradually emerging as a signature cultural event that must be nurtured and expanded.
Visionary and Founder David Thomas delivered a heartfelt speech, sharing the inspiration behind the exhibition. He explained that Enchanting Plateau was born from a simple but powerful dream: to give Plateau artists a global stage and opportunities often unavailable to young creatives. Thomas acknowledged the challenges artists face, including limited visibility, lack of appreciation, and financial constraints, while emphasizing the extraordinary talent that Plateau nurtures. He described the exhibition as a bridge connecting art, culture, tourism, and economic development, calling on government agencies, corporate organizations, and the private sector to recognize art not just as entertainment but as a valuable long-term investment. Thomas expressed gratitude to His Excellency Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, his team, partners, and supporters for believing in the vision, expressing hope that the exhibition will rank among Nigeria’s and Africa’s premier cultural events.
Hon. Dachung Bagos praised the initiative for inspiring young creatives and providing them a platform to shine. He highlighted the creative economy’s potential for wealth creation, citing examples of art pieces that have gained global value. Bagos encouraged artists to trademark their works and embrace the business side of creativity, stressing that Plateau’s art could become a significant economic asset if properly harnessed.
Exhibiting artists also shared their experiences. Naomi Adamu, participating for the second time, described the exhibition as an inspiring space motivating artists to keep creating despite challenges in the art sector. Her featured piece, “Symbolic Identity,” crafted from natural seeds and gourds, reflects the deep cultural roots of Plateau people, including their symbols, values, and traditional communication patterns. Naomi noted that the exhibition fosters unity among artists and boosts their confidence.
David C. Nwadike also expressed gratitude for the platform, emphasizing that Enchanting Plateau provides vital visibility for young artists and encourages appreciation of local creativity. He stressed that monetizing art begins with valuing it locally and called for continued support of the initiative.
Before the event concluded, attendees toured the exhibition stands, admiring artworks that vividly portrayed Plateau’s rich culture, festivals, landscapes, and symbolic heritage. The displays offered visitors a deeper connection to the state’s identity and artistic brilliance.
The 2025 Enchanting Plateau Exhibition continues to reinforce Plateau State as a growing creative hub and a true home of peace and tourism.
