Plateau State Makes History as Lingzhi Global Hosts Nigeria’s First-Ever International Coffee Festival, Bringing Together Stakeholders from Over 30 Countries and Positioning the State as Africa’s Emerging Hub for Coffee Trade and Culture
A historic milestone was achieved in Plateau State as Lingzhi Global successfully staged the maiden edition of the Coffee Festival International Nigeria. The prestigious gathering brought together coffee growers, traders, and industry stakeholders from across the world including Ethiopia, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, and beyond firmly positioning Plateau as an emerging hub for global coffee culture and trade.
In her keynote address, Blessing Nanman, CEO of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd., described the festival as the first of its kind in Nigeria, drawing participants from more than 30 countries. She explained that the initiative was designed not only to promote skill development but also to showcase Plateau’s rich cultural heritage through coffee.
Nanman further revealed that Lingzhi Global’s vision is to generate over 10,000 jobs within the next three years by building a sustainable coffee value chain. She emphasized that both government and private sector collaboration would be crucial to driving economic growth. She also urged Nigerians, particularly the people of Plateau, to embrace patience, sacrifice, and unity in pursuit of their aspirations. According to her, the festival is intended to rekindle faith in Nigeria’s greatness and create opportunities to share the state’s fertile land and abundant resources with the world.
Declaring the Coffee Festival International open, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau highlighted coffee as a strategic cash crop for Plateau. He affirmed that his administration is committed to developing the value chain and inspiring young people to venture into entrepreneurship. “Plateau is safe, rich in culture, blessed with the best weather, and home to the finest quality coffee,” he said.
The Governor also commended Blessing Nanman for her vision in promoting coffee and elevating Plateau on the global stage. To show government support, he announced a one-million-naira purchase of 20 copies of her newly launched Lindsay Coffee magazine.
Dr. Ehindame Paul, President of the Coffee and Tea Association, traced the decline of Nigeria’s coffee industry to the 1980s, when global price crashes, the exit of the United States from the International Coffee Organization, and the Structural Adjustment Program forced many farmers to abandon the crop. He noted that with renewed government interest and private sector partnerships through the Coffee Association of Nigeria, the industry is being revived. Describing coffee as Nigeria’s “real crude oil,” he stressed its vast potential to create employment for young people.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, also applauded Blessing Nanman for bringing the international coffee festival to Plateau. “This event has firmly placed Plateau on the global coffee map,” she remarked, calling on both government and farmers to sustain support for the project. She emphasized that coffee holds the power to create jobs and transform communities, while reiterating Plateau’s destiny as a world-class coffee hub.
Brazilian coffee expert Rebecca Nogueira echoed similar sentiments, calling the Coffee Festival International Nigeria “an amazing movement with remarkable potential.” She added, “If Nigeria chooses to grow coffee into a major industry, it is absolutely possible and Brazil is ready to support from seed to cup.” Nogueira, who attended with her colleague Natalia, noted that they were invited to explore avenues for collaboration between Brazil and Nigeria.
The festival also delighted participants with cultural displays by Dantala, Asharuwa dancers, and Afri Theater Abuja, while special appearances by Anthony Amaechi Umeh, Lilian Uchenna, Nwosu Ngozi, and veteran actor Francis Duru brought additional glamour and excitement to the event.
