The 2025 Enchanting Plateau Exhibition has opened in Jos with renewed enthusiasm, attracting artists, cultural stakeholders, and creatives to the Odilins Event Center for a week-long showcase of the state’s rich heritage.
With the theme “One,” the exhibition aims to promote unity through art, strengthen cultural identity, and boost tourism in Plateau State.
Delivering the opening address, Chuwang Pwajok underscored the event’s rising significance in Plateau’s cultural landscape. He described Enchanting Plateau as more than an art gathering, calling it “a platform for reflection, pride, and healing.” Pwajok said the works on display capture the resilience and diversity that define the state, commending young artists whose pieces reflect local stories of unity, beauty, struggle, and hope. He added that the exhibition is steadily becoming a cultural signature that deserves continued support and expansion.
Founder David Thomas followed with a heartfelt speech, recounting how the exhibition began as a dream to give Plateau artists global visibility and opportunities often out of their reach. He highlighted challenges facing artists—limited exposure, insufficient appreciation, and financial barriers—while insisting that Plateau remains home to remarkable creativity.
Thomas described the exhibition as a bridge linking art, culture, tourism, and economic development. He urged government agencies, corporate organizations, and private investors to see the creative sector as a long-term economic asset rather than mere entertainment. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, partners, and supporters for backing the initiative, expressing optimism that the event could eventually rank among major cultural festivals in Nigeria and across Africa.
In his remarks, Hon. Dachung Bagos praised the initiative for inspiring young creatives and providing them with a platform to thrive. He emphasized that the creative economy holds vast potential for job creation and economic growth, calling for sustained investment to unlock its full benefits.
One of the exhibiting artists, Naomi Adamu, shared her joy at participating for the second time. She described the exhibition as an inspiring space that motivates artists to keep creating despite the challenges within the art sector. Naomi discussed her featured piece, “Symbolic Identity,” made from natural seeds and gourds to reflect the deep cultural roots of Plateau people, including their symbols, values, and traditional communication patterns. She noted that the exhibition strengthens unity among artists and boosts their confidence.
Artist David C. Nwadike also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his work. He said Enchanting Plateau provides essential visibility for young artists and encourages appreciation of local creativity. Nwadike emphasized that monetizing art begins with valuing it locally and called for continuous support for the platform.