The Enchanting Plateau Exhibition 2025 wrapped up in grand style at Odilins Event Center, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, government officials, and key players in the creative industry to celebrate what has been described as a historic milestone for Plateau State’s art community.
The week-long exhibition showcased remarkable works across painting, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, textiles, and photography, reinforcing Plateau State’s rising prominence in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.
Jury Praises Quality, Offers Guidance for Future Competitions
Jury Leader Dr. Jacob Enemona Onoja hailed the event as the first of its kind in Plateau State, commending its structure and the exceptional quality of submissions. He encouraged artists to improve their finishing, scale, and overall artistic depth as they prepare for future editions.
Dr. Onoja outlined the rigorous evaluation process used by the jury, which focused on artistic ingenuity, technical proficiency, relevance to the theme “One,” artist statements, and finishing. He noted that the prize of ₦500,000 per category should motivate even greater participation and excellence in coming years.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Transforming Art Into Economic Value
Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality, Cornelius Doeyok, representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, described the exhibition as a landmark achievement in the state’s cultural calendar. He reiterated the administration’s determination to turn creative talent into economic prosperity, saying the goal is to convert “talent into cash.”
Doeyok expressed admiration for the artworks on display, noting that many were of a standard comparable to those found in Paris, Morocco, and the United States. He emphasized that Plateau’s cultural heritage is “beyond measure” and called for even greater visibility of the state’s artistic excellence on national and global stages.
Cultural Leaders Celebrate Unity and Rediscovery of Plateau Talent
Director General of the Plateau State Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Ephraim Dankyes, commended convener David Thomas for initiating the Enchanting Plateau project. He said the exhibition helps bridge gaps in creative interconnectedness and applauded Dr. Knoepke’s longstanding contributions to the state’s exhibition culture.
Dankyes noted that the event reflects unity, creativity, and the rediscovery of talents that have long remained hidden. He expressed optimism that future editions would attract wider national participation and further elevate Plateau’s cultural prominence.
Young Creatives Shine: Virtual Category Winner Speaks
Virtual competition winner Vikala Sati shared her excitement after clinching first place in her category. Her artwork, Plateau Convergence, portrays unity among Plateau’s diverse tribes by merging cultural symbols and landmarks into a single composition. She thanked the organizers for providing a platform that uplifts young creatives and advances the exhibition’s theme of oneness.
Convener Promises Bigger, Bolder 2026 Edition
In his closing address, convener David Thomas expressed deep gratitude to dignitaries, government partners, and participating artists. He emphasized that the vision behind Enchanting Plateau is to ensure that creatives are “seen, heard, and appreciated without leaving the state.”
Thomas celebrated the progress recorded in just one year and assured stakeholders that the 2026 edition will be bigger, bolder, and more globally oriented. He thanked Governor Mutfwang for his unwavering support, declaring that “the world is waiting for Plateau’s talent.”
Exhibition Sets New Benchmark for Plateau’s Creative Future
The Enchanting Plateau Exhibition 2025 ended as a resounding affirmation of Plateau State’s cultural richness, artistic excellence, and collective determination to build a thriving creative economy. With strong endorsements from government officials, cultural leaders, and the artists themselves, the event has set a new benchmark for artistic expression in the state.
Preparations for the 2026 edition are already underway, with stakeholders confident that the next chapter will be more inclusive, more impactful, and a bold step toward placing Plateau’s creatives on the global stage.
