L-R: Manji Wilson, Chief Technical Adviser on Development Partnerships, Plateau State; Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City Music; Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group; Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality; Mrs. Dongkum Grace Shwarta, Commissioner for Finance; Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, Commissioner for Youth; and Hon. Sylvanus Dongtoe, Commissioner for Housing & Urban Development, at the creative sector partnership signing ceremony in Jos, Plateau State.
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chocolate City Group to establish a creative hub aimed at reviving the state’s cultural sector, boosting tourism, and creating jobs for young people.
The 15-year public-private partnership, signed in Jos on May 3, will focus on developing infrastructure and talent across music, film, and digital media. It follows a similar MoU between Chocolate City and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in March.
Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality, Mr. Cornelius Doeyok, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the signing, said the initiative aligns with the administration’s goal to unlock Plateau’s cultural potential.
“This MoU stems from His Excellency’s vision to breathe new life into the creative industry on the Plateau,” Doeyok said. “Plateau is rich with talent. Our goal is to harness that in ways that significantly boost output and visibility.”
He added, “In this administration, no MoU signed has failed—and this won’t either. We’re tired of negative stories about Plateau. This project will reshape the narrative and attract investment.”
Chocolate City Chairman, Audu Maikori, who led the delegation, described the partnership as personal. “Plateau is dear to me. I came here in 1993 to study law. Without Jos, there would be no Chocolate City,” he said. “It’s time we give something back.”
He emphasized that the project is about tangible results: “They don’t need empty promises; they need real platforms and ecosystems to thrive. That’s our promise.”
Chocolate City CEO, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, echoed the sentiment. “I was born and raised here. Jos gave me life. Now it’s time to level the playing field. There’s something special about Jos—it produces stars,” he said.
The hub will feature recording and podcast studios, a radio station, film production facilities, performance spaces, and a tech-driven training program in collaboration with ALX Africa. It will particularly support youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
“We want to bring infrastructure that can turn Jos into a production destination, like Morocco. Our goal is to help Plateau youth compete globally and earn sustainable income,” Ugwu said.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, said the initiative supports broader youth empowerment efforts, including a 1,000-hectare youth farm project and a UNDP-backed agri-hub.
“This is a serious government with a serious governor who is committed to empowering young people. Opportunity has come—this is a win-win for Plateau,” Ashoms emphasized.
Nigeria’s film and music industries contributed over ₦154 billion (about \$197.6 million) to the national GDP in 2023, highlighting the potential for states like Plateau to tap into the sector.
The event attracted state officials, development partners, and industry stakeholders, signaling growing public-private collaboration in Nigeria’s creative economy.
