It is easy to fixate on the violence that has wreaked and wrecked Plateau State. It easy to pay attention to only the negative information we get about one place without stopping to steal as little as a glance on the other side – the beautiful side. Plateau is a place whose beauty has been ignored for almost two decades now. So, because this article is about the beauty of the place I’ll point out the obvious and main challenge that plagues the place and get it over with.
For a place that once claimed the appellation of ‘the most beautiful city in Nigeria’ and prides its State slogan to be ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’, Jos’ fall from glory dropped, like its many bomb explosions, caches of unpleasant emotions in the hearts of those who called – still call – it home.
Now let’s explore the many reasons why every Nigerian should visit the Plateau and be proud of it.
Tourism
One of the the things Plateau State is famous for is the natural landscape, its scenic topography, and exotic destinations. As the name implies, Plateau is home to rock and hills and varying shapes, sizes and height. From the popular plateau in Riyom to Sherre Hills and Mountain Range, to the Unity rock in Jos, if you love to hike, you can’t run out of rocks.
Water bodies are not scarce either. There waterfalls are located in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Wase and Jos. Rayfield resort lake and Lamingo Dams in Jos too. From zoos to gardens, whatever fun you choose you can have in Plateau State.
Climate
Plateau state is the coldest state in the country. The weather can range from bearably cold to intensely freezing depending on the time of the year. It can get really foggy on rainy or harmattan days. While there are a couple of hot periods all year round, the cold ones far outweigh them. In the December, around Christmas, the weather is at its coldest. Pankshin is the coldest place in the state. Warm clothing is the go-to fashion style.
Creativity
J-town was a city of the country’s budding dreams. It was called beautiful for many reasons. Besides its very cold climate, a worthy amount of Nigeria’s big names have or had a history with the city. It housed and nurtured a lot of dreams on its streets and fed them enough to make the country proud. Famous figures such as Mikel Obi, 2face, now defunct PSquare, MI Abaga, Ice Prince, to mention a few, all had their childhood there.
While it currently doesn’t seem like it, many talented individuals and groups keep nurturing and growing their arts, perhaps waiting for when the country will know their names like the their others before them.
Cosmopolitanism
Jos is one of Nigerians top cosmopolitan cities. It is as old as the arrival of the British colonists when the exploration of tin in Nigeria begun. It is home to various people from different parts of the country. Every ethnic group and major Nigerian religion is amply represented. A handful of foreigners, mostly missionaries, still live there.
Food Production
Agriculture thrives in Plateau state. Notably root crops such as irish potatoes and sweet potatoes as well as vegetables like cucumber, carrots, green beans, spring onions, lettuce and more. The climate also helps to keep them fresh and alive for a long period of time. What’s not to love?
Colonial/Historical Relics
Jos being one of the earliest cities where colonists settled and developed, there are a lot of colonial buildings and structures hanging around the city. Some are still very much in use, while others are just there for sightseeing. Either way, they are always a beauty to behold.
These are only a few reasons but they are enough reasons why any Nigerian should visit. Contrary to what the news reports, most parts of Jos is safe for human habitation and business transactions. You should visit whenever the opportunity presents itself.
