The Plateau Government says the state remains Nigeria’s premier tourism destination.
Mr. Chuwang Pwajok, General Manager of Plateau Tourism Corporation, emphasized that Plateau does not see itself in competition with any other state in this regard.
Pwajok made the statement during a visit from the Jos Community Film Festival (JOCOFFEST) team, who presented him with an award for tourism excellence.
Highlighting the state’s abundant potentials, he stressed that Plateau’s tourism wealth is immeasurable, despite ongoing challenges and underdevelopment in the sector.
“We are a natural tourism destination. There is nothing artificial about the tourism that Plateau has.
“That is why, even without significant investments in the sector, we have maintained the title: ‘Home of Peace and Tourism”.
“The only challenge, however, has been how to translate the natural endowments within this destination into viable economic platforms for our people, for which we are immensely grateful to the government in its current strides to boost the sector.
While also commending the JOCOFFEST team for the recognition and commitment to the development of tourism through film in the state, Pwajok reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the sector prospered.
“I am deeply appreciative and honoured to receive this award, and to make a promise and a pledge that I will not relent, we will continue to push to lay the kind of foundation that our tourism sector requires for growth and development.
“We are prayerful and hopeful, and believe that the time has come that Plateau will reap from this rich abundance of blessings that God has given us, not just for the images but for the economic benefit and survival of our people,” he said.
Prof. Eddie Ossai, Founder and Coordinator of JOCOFFEST, said:
“The corporation has contributed to taking people out of the streets, which aligns with JOCOFFEST’s primary goal, as it engages in projects within the state. Plateau people are being employed.
“We have seen the level of engagement with Hill-station Hotel, Plateau Hotel, Solomon Lar park, Wildlife Park, and so on, and it is a very good indication that tourism is picking up here.
“We therefore present you with this award as the custodian of community heritage for tourism and for preserving legacy and promoting heritage as a beacon of tourism.
NAN/Oluchi