iHUB Digital Solutions successfully hosted the 6th edition of the Plateau Innovation and Business Conference (PIBC) and Awards on Sunday, May 4, at Crispan Suites and Event Centrein Jos, Plateau State. The event was themed “Reimagining Plateau’s Economy Through Entrepreneurship.”
The conference brought together CEOs, tech leaders, investors, economists, C-suite executives, venture capitalists, angel investors, research scholars, students, academics, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore how technology and innovation can foster economic resilience, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in Plateau and beyond.
Sir Kim Musa Ndoh, Managing Director of iHUB Digital Solutions, said:
“THE THEME OF THIS CONFERENCE REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO DRIVING CONVERSATIONS ON HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE STATE. PIBC 2025 IS ABOUT HARNESSING THE POWER OF INNOVATION TO CREATE ECONOMIC STABILITY, ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY, AND IMPROVE LIVELIHOODS.”
A major highlight of the event was the launch and unveiling of Discover Plateau Magazine Vol. 1, themed “Beyond Highlands: Discover, Experience, and Invest in Plateau,” anchored by Dr. Fish.
“DISCOVER PLATEAU MAGAZINE IS YOUR ULTIMATE PLATFORM TO CONNECT WITH TRAVELERS, INVESTORS, AND BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS EXPLORING THE BEAUTY AND OPPORTUNITIES IN PLATEAU STATE. WHETHER YOU RUN A HOTEL, RESORT, RESTAURANT, REAL ESTATE COMPANY, TOUR AGENCY, OR ANY OTHER BUSINESS, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO INCREASE VISIBILITY AND GROW YOUR BRAND,” HE ADDED.
The event also featured the presentation of various awards recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs, business leaders, and organizations driving economic transformation in Plateau State.
Speaking on gender inclusivity in the business sector, Barr. Olivia Dazyam, Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, was represented by the Commission’s Director of Media & Investigation, Nene Dung, who also serves as Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plateau State.
She emphasized the importance of inclusive practices in economic development, saying:
“DIVERSE GENDERS WORKING TOGETHER GO A STEP FURTHER, AS BOTH SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY. GENDER INCLUSIVITY PROVIDES ACCESS TO A WIDER TALENT POOL. BUT IT DOESN’T END WITH EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES OR EMPLOYMENT — WORKPLACE POLICIES MUST CONSIDER THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF EACH GENDER, SUCH AS MATERNITY LEAVE. EVERY WORKPLACE SHOULD HAVE SUPPORTIVE POLICIES. WOMEN ARE THE HIGHEST SPENDERS GLOBALLY; WHY NOT EMPLOY THEM SO THEY CAN BRING IN IDEAS THAT ATTRACT FELLOW SPENDERS? IT’S TIME WOMEN NOT ONLY CONSUME BUT OWN THE MARKET — BE THE EMPLOYERS AND PRODUCERS. NO ONE CAN MARKET A WOMAN’S PRODUCT BETTER THAN A WOMAN. WE BUY FOR OURSELVES, OUR PARENTS, HUSBANDS, CHILDREN, AND SIBLINGS. BUSINESS OWNERS MUST REVIEW THEIR GENDER RATIO AND MAKE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.”
The Director General of the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Datong Dominic Gwaman, also spoke on digital transformation for economic growth, stressing the timeliness of the program.
“DIGITAL INCLUSIVITY IN BUSINESS IS NOT JUST ABOUT USING TECH TOOLS AND GADGETS — IT’S ABOUT ACCESSING MARKETS BEYOND YOUR LOCALITY. BUSINESS OWNERS IN THIS DIGITAL AGE MUST LEARN TECH SKILLS. ONE ISSUE IS THAT WE OFTEN ADOPT FOREIGN ICT MODELS BLINDLY. WE MUST CREATE APPLICATIONS THAT SOLVE OUR LOCAL PROBLEMS. AND WHEN WE ADOPT GLOBAL MODELS, WE MUST ADAPT THEM TO SUIT OUR REALITIES. WE CALL ON BUSINESS OWNERS IN PLATEAU TO PARTNER WITH THE AGENCY SO WE CAN GROW TOGETHER.”
Prof. Emmanuel Oki, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, commended participants for being job creators. He emphasized the importance of human capital development to compete globally, called for financial support for key sectors, and urged the government to train graduates to become job creators rather than seekers.
Other notable speakers included:
Caroline Dafor, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development
Samson Ishaku Bugama, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nde Ezekiel Gomos, Executive Director, Jos Business School
CEO of Closet for Queens
The event also featured business pitch presentations, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their innovations and attract potential investors. Some of the featured businesses include:
Jos Carry Hub: Manufacturing, training, and selling of school, laptop, and travel bags
Go Gas Nigeria Enterprise: A safe, timely, and convenient gas delivery service
Blessing Fashion World: Fashion designing and training services
The 6th PIBC then proceeded with the awards night where industry players got recognized for their contributions and successes. You can read more about the award categories and the recipients on the ScoutSity blog. The night ended withoptimism, collaboration, and a call to action for innovation-driven economic growth in Plateau State.