{
  "id": 18607350,
  "title": "Jos Family Christmas Festival as New Face of Plateau Tourism",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/jos-family-christmas-festival-as-new-face-of-plateau-tourism",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T00:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/11/07/jos-family-christmas-festival-as-new-face-of-plateau-tourism/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Jos Family Christmas Festival, launched in 2023 by the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, has quickly become a cornerstone of the region's tourism industry. Conceived as an economic strategy to capitalize on the state's abundant natural assets, the festival has grown into a month-long celebration that attracts visitors both within and outside Nigeria, while also creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.\n\nThe festival's success stems from its inclusive family-oriented activities, which include Christmas markets, children's playgrounds, music concerts, theatrical performances, sports events, and cultural exhibitions. The organizers have also welcomed private sector participation, fostering events like the Graffiti Music and Basketball Festival to attract a younger demographic.\n\nIn recognition of the festival's growing importance, the Plateau State government designated December as the state's official Tourism Month, filling the entire month with tourism-focused activities. Key events such as the Unity Carol and Praise Festival, featuring notable figures like former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the New Year Crossover and Fireworks Display, have helped create a comprehensive tourism package for the holiday season.\n\nUnderpinning the festival's success is Plateau State's rich natural attractions, including iconic sites such as Shere Hills, Asson Falls, Kurra Falls, Wase Rock, Riyom Rock Formation, and Kerang Highlands. The Jos Wildlife Park and Pandam National Park, home to diverse wildlife and significant historical artifacts, further bolster the state's appeal.\n\nInfrastructure improvements are also underway, with the Jos Wildlife Park receiving upgrades such as fencing, renovations, and modernization of animal enclosures. Efforts are also being made to attract international partnerships, with discussions underway with the Republic of Namibia to expand the park's wildlife collection. Additionally, the Solomon Lar Amusement Park is being revitalized through private investment to become a fully operational amusement destination.\n\nThus, the Jos Family Christmas Festival serves as a dynamic symbol of Plateau State's evolving tourism landscape, blending its natural beauty with innovative economic strategies to create a thriving destination for tourists.",
  "summary": "Conceived in 2023 as a strategy to convert Plateau State’s abundant tourism assets into economic value, the Jos Family Christmas Festival is rapidly evolving into a flagship destination event, writes Yemi",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}