The Plateau State Government has launched the Sing for Plateau Initiative, a creative talent programme aimed at rebranding the state and empowering young creatives through music, poetry, dance and digital content.
The initiative was unveiled on February 3, 2026, at a press conference in Jos, and is being implemented through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Creativity and Entertainment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality and the Plateau Tourism Corporation.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Creativity and Entertainment, Ezra Jinang, said the programme was designed to tell Plateau’s true story through arts and creativity, particularly as the state marks its 50th anniversary.
“The time is now for us to tell our stories ourselves, using our creativity. Plateau has always been a hub of talent, and this initiative will help rediscover and showcase that strength,” Jinang said.
He said the initiative is open to all residents of Plateau State, including Nigerians and foreigners living in the state, regardless of state of origin.
According to him, the competition covers songs, poetry, dance and content creation, with winners in each category expected to receive a cash prize of ₦1m, while other finalists will get consolation prizes.
Jinang added that creatives whose talents do not fall strictly within the listed categories, such as comedians, drummers and masters of ceremonies, can participate under the content creation category.
He disclosed that the programme would climax with a grand concert in March 2026, during which prizes would be presented by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, alongside the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture. He added that a weekly radio programme would be introduced to keep the public updated on activities leading to the finale.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Cornelius Doeyok, said the initiative was a strategic effort to reshape public perception of the state and position the creative economy as a major driver of development.
“The more positive content we create about Plateau, the better the perception outside the state. This initiative will help redefine Plateau and tell stories that have never been told,” Doeyok stated.
The General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Corporation, Chuwang Pwajok, described the project as another step towards unlocking Plateau’s creative potential, noting that the state has historically shaped many successful creatives across Nigeria.
Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Culture, Ephraim Dankyes, welcomed the initiative, describing Plateau as “the home of creativity, talent and art,” and pledged continued support for programmes that promote the state’s cultural identity.
The Sing for Plateau Initiative is part of broader efforts by the Mutfwang administration to strengthen the creative sector, following recent large-scale events such as the Plateau Christmas Carol and the Family Christmas Festival, which attracted national attention.
