The Plateau State Association of Technology Companies (PLATEC) has hosted a landmark dinner aimed at strengthening collaboration and accelerating growth within the state’s technology ecosystem.
The event, themed “Fostering Collaboration within the Tech Ecosystem in Plateau State,” was held on December 19, 2025, at the New Government House Hall and attracted tech entrepreneurs, government officials, students, media practitioners and development partners.
In his welcome address, PLATEC Chairman, Mr. Stephen Sunday, described the gathering as a historic and emotional milestone for the association. He paid tribute to the immediate past chairman, Chief Koppe Sylvanus, for sustaining the association for seven years despite challenges, including the absence of membership dues.
Sunday explained that PLATEC is an inclusive body comprising freelancers, registered companies, institutions, government agencies and development partners driving technology growth across all 17 local government areas of Plateau State. He disclosed that the association has over 250 registered members and was established to deliberately build a strong and competitive tech ecosystem in the state and beyond. According to him, collaboration, partnerships and effective storytelling remain critical to innovation and sustainable growth.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to drive technological development. He noted that government alone cannot achieve meaningful progress in the sector and announced plans for a State Festival of Science, Technology and Innovation in the coming year. Dr. Shurkuk invited PLATEC members to play an active role in organizing the festival to showcase Plateau’s innovations to national and international audiences.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Engr. Datong Dominic Gwaman, called on tech stakeholders to consolidate efforts and collaborate on impactful projects. He cautioned against duplication of solutions and urged innovators to focus on addressing local automation needs before external players dominate the space, stressing that collaboration is key to scaling innovations and unlocking economic value.
The Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), represented by Ms. Jerusha Chaimang on behalf of its Director General, Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, expressed strong support for PLATEC. She emphasized that sustainability, innovation, enterprise growth and economic transformation are best achieved through inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnerships, noting that synergy between technology-driven enterprises and public institutions is essential for financial inclusion and empowerment across the state.
Similarly, Mr. Tsok James, representing the Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, highlighted the agency’s effective use of technology in revenue administration and pledged PSIRS’s readiness to collaborate with PLATEC to deepen technology-driven governance.
The Chairman of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), Mr. Matthew Tegha, underscored the role of digital and online media in amplifying innovation, promoting startups and connecting the tech ecosystem to local and global opportunities. He reaffirmed PLABOMA’s commitment to partnering with technology companies to position Plateau State as a hub for innovation and creativity.
In his remarks, the immediate past PLATEC Chairman, Chief Koppe Sylvanus, reflected on the importance of collective organization in attracting government and investor attention. He pledged continued support by making his organization’s ICT facility, equipped with internet-enabled systems, available at subsidized and free rates for PLATEC programmes, mentorship and talent development.
Representing the tech community, Mr. Domkinan Enoch encouraged innovators to remain resilient despite challenges such as limited resources and access to opportunities. He stressed the importance of visibility, marketing and creative storytelling in attracting investors and collaborators, urging tech companies to develop solutions with lasting impact.
The event ended with a shared resolve among stakeholders to deepen collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, development partners, media and innovators. Participants expressed optimism that with renewed commitments from institutions such as PLASMIDA, PSIRS and PICTDA, Plateau State is steadily emerging as a vibrant and competitive technology hub in Nigeria.
