By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, has described the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival as a strategic platform for driving economic growth through innovation.
The minister commended the Plateau State Government for organizing the maiden edition of the festival, noting that the initiative is helping to reposition Plateau as a safe destination for business, investment, tourism, and technological advancement, while attracting participants from across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking on the theme, “Reimagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” Dr. Udeh said the festival should serve as a catalyst for transforming research findings and innovative ideas into practical solutions, industries, and employment opportunities for young people.
He emphasized that innovation must move beyond presentations and exhibitions, stressing the importance of commercializing research outcomes and bridging the gap between invention and industry.
The minister further explained that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes science, technology and innovation as critical drivers of economic transformation and national development.
According to him, developing, funding and commercializing innovations are essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy while improving the living standards of citizens.
Dr. Udeh called for stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, professional bodies, researchers and development partners to support innovation and accelerate sustainable development.
He also assured participants of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting innovative ideas beyond the festival, ensuring that promising inventions are transformed into products and services capable of creating jobs, generating revenue and contributing to national growth.
Declaring the inaugural festival open, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, commended the organizers and partners of the event for their commitment to promoting innovation and technological development in the state.
Governor Mutfwang expressed optimism that the festival would move beyond discussions to practical solutions capable of transforming lives and driving economic growth.
He appreciated the Plateau State Ministry of Science and Technology, development partners and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology for supporting the initiative, while welcoming plans to host the North-Central regional conference in Jos.
The governor stressed the need for Nigerians to harness local talents and patronize indigenous innovations, citing his locally made attire as an example of the quality products that can be produced within the state.
He highlighted the achievements of a young Plateau innovator who designed and produced mechanized hand-seeders capable of improving farming efficiency.
According to the governor, the state government has already procured 200 units of the equipment for testing across farms in Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang said the innovation has the potential to revolutionize agriculture by reducing labour, increasing productivity and attracting more young people into farming.
He noted that Nigeria offers enormous opportunities for innovators to develop solutions to existing challenges and create wealth through technology and entrepreneurship.
The governor also announced plans to increase funding for innovation through supplementary budgetary allocations and partnerships with development organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme.
He further revealed that efforts were at an advanced stage to make the innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic fully operational, providing a platform for young innovators to develop their ideas and transform them into viable enterprises.
Governor Mutfwang urged young people across the state to dream big, embrace innovation and take advantage of emerging opportunities to turn their ideas into reality.
Earlier, the Plateau State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Cletus Shurkuk, described the festival as a historic milestone in the state’s development journey.
Dr. Shurkuk said the event celebrates creativity, innovation, scientific excellence, technological advancement and the immense potential of Plateau people, particularly young innovators.
He explained that the festival marks the beginning of a new chapter aimed at building a knowledge-driven and innovation-based economy capable of addressing society’s most pressing challenges.
According to the commissioner, the Plateau State Science and Technology Festival (PLASTIFES) is more than a celebration; it is a platform that brings together innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, development partners and aspiring innovators to transform ideas into practical solutions.
He noted that the theme of the inaugural festival aligns with the vision of the Plateau State Government to harness science, technology and innovation for economic growth, job creation, improved service delivery, enhanced productivity and sustainable development.
Dr. Shurkuk emphasized the need for Plateau State and Nigeria to embrace innovation in an increasingly technology-driven world, noting that technological advancement remains a key driver of progress among leading economies.
The commissioner disclosed that the three-day event features exhibitions, demonstrations, networking sessions, mentorship programmes, panel discussions and innovation showcases designed to encourage collaboration and inspire future breakthroughs.
He added that outstanding innovators at the festival would receive cash prizes and recognition awards, while all participants would be presented with certificates and letters of participation in appreciation of their contributions.
