Jos, Plateau State Day 3 of the maiden Made in Plateau Business Carnival held at the Solomon Lar Amusement Park on Tuesday continued to attract large crowds as government officials, development partners, and hundreds of local entrepreneurs showcased products made entirely within the state.
The event featured over 400 registered MSMEs, surpassing the initial projection of 250 to 300 exhibitors, with more than 3,000 visitors recorded within the first two days.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, mni, who toured several exhibition stands, described the fair as a strong display of Plateau’s creativity, natural resources, and value-added products.
She noted that about 80 percent of items displayed at the carnival were produced locally, ranging from handmade crafts to organic foods and unique agricultural products such as fonio, hungry rice, sweet potatoes, and Plateau’s indigenous olives.
“We are seeing things that are truly ours,” she said. “Many of these exhibitors are raw talents, and their products have the potential to compete globally once properly packaged.”
Ramnap also highlighted the involvement of development partners including SMEDEN and GIZ, who are supporting MSMEs with training on packaging, branding, and market access.
She disclosed that the state government intends to make the carnival an annual event, stressing that sustained support will help local producers reach international standards.
“We want to sell Plateau to the world,” she said. “If we live on what we produce here, we will live healthier lives.”
The Chairman of the Plateau State MSME Ecosystem Technical Working Group, Jackse Le’an Mangtat, explained that the business carnival is the result of months of engagement with small businesses across the state.
According to him, the idea developed from the ICSS (Inspire, Create, Start, Scale) modular training model introduced by GIZ, which encouraged MSMEs to contribute concepts under the “Made in Plateau” initiative.
“This is a maiden event, created by us and for us,” Mangtat said. “It is not just a fair but an ecosystem supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises across the value chain.”
He confirmed the overwhelming turnout of exhibitors and visitors, describing the response as evidence of Plateau’s readiness for economic expansion.
Mangtat also acknowledged the support of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and several commissioners whose contributions made the event possible.
He expressed optimism that the carnival would become a sustainable annual program, adding that mechanisms for feedback and improvement are already in place.
Visitors to the carnival have continued to express interest in locally-made teas, wooden utensils, agricultural produce, and other products developed entirely from Plateau-sourced raw materials.
Organizers believe the fair will help reduce dependence on imported goods and promote healthier consumption of indigenous foods.
The Made in Plateau Business Carnival continues through the week, with calls for residents to visit and support local enterprises as the state positions itself as a hub for creativity and innovation.
