Plateau Makes History with Nigeria’s First International Coffee Festival

Jos, Plateau State – Plateau State has inscribed its name in the annals of history as it successfully hosted Nigeria’s first-ever International Coffee Festival, a groundbreaking event that positioned the state as the nation’s new hub for coffee culture, trade, and global collaboration.

The festival, organized by Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd., attracted producers, entrepreneurs, and coffee enthusiasts from over 30 countries, including Ethiopia, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, and Tanzania. It marked a historic step in showcasing Plateau’s unique climate, fertile land, and cultural richness to the world.

In her welcome address, Blessing Nanman, CEO of Lingzhi Global, described the festival as a dream birthed to unlock Nigeria’s untapped coffee potential. She emphasized that the company’s vision is to create over 10,000 jobs within three years by building a sustainable coffee value chain that will benefit farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities across Plateau and beyond.

“This festival is not just about coffee; it is about skills development, economic growth, and telling the Plateau story to the world. It is about patience, sacrifice, and unity as we work to fulfill our God-given potential as a people,” Nanman stated, expressing hope that the event would renew confidence in Nigeria’s greatness.

Declaring the festival open, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, affirmed that his administration is committed to strengthening Plateau’s coffee value chain and encouraging youth to embrace entrepreneurship.

“Plateau is safe, full of culture, and blessed with the best weather and the best quality coffee. Coffee will be a key driver of our state’s economic future,” he said.

The Governor also applauded Blessing Nanman for her global vision and announced government’s support with a ₦1 million purchase of 20 copies of her newly launched Lindsay Coffee magazine.

Adding historical perspective, Dr. Ehindame Paul, President of the Coffee and Tea Association, recalled that Nigeria’s coffee industry collapsed in the 1980s following global price crashes, the exit of the U.S. from the International Coffee Organization, and the Structural Adjustment Program. He commended the Plateau initiative, describing coffee as Nigeria’s “real crude oil” with potential to generate massive employment.

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, also praised the initiative, declaring that the event has placed Plateau on the global coffee map. “Coffee can create jobs, transform lives, and lift communities out of poverty. Plateau is destined to become a global hub for coffee,” she said.

Brazilian coffee specialist Rebecca Nogueira added an international voice of optimism, describing the Nigerian Coffee Festival as “an amazing movement”. She affirmed Brazil’s readiness to partner with Nigeria from “seed to cup,” highlighting cross-continental opportunities.

The cultural heartbeat of Plateau also shone through the event, with electrifying performances from Dantala, Asharuwa dancers, Afri Theater Abuja, and appearances by stars such as Francis Duru, Anthony Amaechi Umeh, Lilian Uchenna, and Nwosu Ngozi.

With this historic festival, Plateau has not only celebrated its rich heritage but has also signaled a bold new future — one where Nigerian coffee can stand tall on the global stage.

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