By Gilbert Joseph

Jos – Participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies have concluded a two-day strategic orientation tour across major institutions in Plateau State, as part of activities marking the commencement of the programme.

According to a statement issued by Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs Department of the Institute, the tour, which began on February 12, 2026, was designed to familiarise participants with their host environment while exposing them to Plateau’s economic, cultural and governance landscape.

The engagements were aligned with the course theme, “Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” with emphasis on creativity, culture, innovation and grassroots institutions as drivers of national development.

As part of the tour, participants visited the National Film Corporation and the National Film Institute, where discussions centred on film and media as tools for job creation, innovation and economic diversification.

The delegation also paid courtesy visits to traditional institutions, including the palaces of the Gbong Gwom Jos and the Gwom Rwei Kuru, highlighting the role of traditional leadership in peacebuilding, social cohesion and community-driven development.

Further engagements took the participants to the Plateau State Tourism Board and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Creativity and Entertainment, where the State’s tourism potential and growing creative ecosystem were showcased as critical pillars of the orange economy.

On the second day, the tour continued with visits to the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Jos, the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency, and the Jos South Local Government Secretariat.

Discussions focused on performing arts, digital innovation, youth entrepreneurship and the importance of effective local governance in achieving sustainable development.

A major highlight of the orientation was a courtesy visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Government House, Jos.

Delivering the message of the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, Brig.-Gen. L.A. Jimoh (rtd) expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government for its support and for providing an enabling environment for policy dialogue and leadership development.

Governor Mutfwang described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that Plateau’s reputation as a tourism hub aligns strongly with the objectives of the programme.

The Senior Executive Course 48 will be formally inaugurated on February 16, 2026, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected as Special Guest of Honour, marking the start of the ten-month leadership and policy development programme.