The Plateau State Government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chocolate City Group to set up 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, focuses on developing infrastructure and nurturing talent across music, film, and digital media.
It comes on the heels of Chocolate City’s similar MoU with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in March.
Speaking at the event on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality, Cornelius Doeyok, said the initiative aligns with the administration’s mission 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 stated. “Plateau is rich with talent. Our goal is to harness that in ways that significantly boost output and visibility.”
He further noted, “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, 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,” Maikori said. “It’s time we give something back.”
He stressed the importance of real impact: “They don’t need empty promises; they need real platforms and ecosystems to thrive. That’s our promise.”
Echoing this, Chocolate City CEO, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, remarked, “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.”
The creative hub is expected to house recording and podcast studios, a radio station, film production facilities, performance venues, and a tech-driven training program in partnership with ALX Africa. Special attention will be given to supporting 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.
Similarly, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with wider youth empowerment efforts, including a 1,000-hectare youth farm project and a UNDP-supported 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 declared.
Nigeria’s film and music industries contributed over ₦154 billion (about \$197.6 million) to the national GDP in 2023, underscoring the potential for states like Plateau to tap into the sector.
The signing ceremony drew government officials, development partners, and industry stakeholders, marking a significant step forward in public-private collaboration within Nigeria’s creative economy.
