From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
The Plateau State Government has announced the launch of the maiden edition of the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST), a major initiative aimed at positioning the state as a leading hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement in Nigeria.
Speaking during a press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre, Jos, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, said the festival will hold from June 1 to 3, 2026, at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Jos.
According to the commissioner, PLASSTIFEST is designed to showcase the creativity and ingenuity of Plateau people, connect innovators with investors, and create opportunities for sustainable economic development.
“This festival is not merely an event; it is a landmark initiative designed to showcase Plateau’s creativity, connect innovators with investors, and chart a bold path toward a smarter, more sustainable future,” Shurkuk said.
He noted that Plateau State faces challenges in areas such as education, agriculture, mining, youth unemployment and infrastructure development, but stressed that these challenges also present opportunities for innovation-driven solutions.
The festival, themed “Reimagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” seeks to encourage citizens, particularly young people, to embrace science and technology as tools for development and economic transformation.
Shurkuk said the initiative aligns with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s vision of empowering citizens through innovation and creating a productive economy driven by creativity and technology.
“The time is now to change the narrative of Plateau State, to move from dependency to creativity, from consumption to production, and from challenges to opportunities,” he stated.
The commissioner disclosed that the festival will feature exhibitions by local innovators and startups, keynote presentations, panel discussions, innovation awards and networking sessions aimed at linking innovators with investors, mentors and development partners.
He also revealed that the event will attract key federal government officials, including the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, as well as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
According to him, the participation of federal agencies and development partners is expected to strengthen Plateau’s innovation ecosystem and attract investments into the state.
Shurkuk explained that PLASSTIFEST is not a one-off event but the beginning of a year-long programme that will include mentorship initiatives, innovation support programmes and community outreach activities to sustain the culture of innovation across the state.
He described the festival as a movement aimed at creating a new identity for Plateau State beyond its natural attractions, positioning it as a centre of excellence in science, technology and innovation.
The commissioner called on students, entrepreneurs, researchers, small and medium-scale enterprises, investors and policymakers to participate actively in the festival, saying it offers a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and business growth.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for supporting the initiative and providing opportunities for young innovators to showcase their talents, while also thanking partners and sponsors for contributing to the success of the programme.
Shurkuk urged young people across the state to seize the opportunity presented by PLASSTIFEST to showcase their ideas and innovations, noting that their creativity has the potential to transform Plateau State and secure a brighter future for generations to come.