History was made in Plateau State as Lingzhi Global successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Coffee Festival International Nigeria.
The prestigious event drew coffee producers and stakeholders from across the globe, including Ethiopia, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, and others, positioning Plateau as a new hub for global coffee culture and trade.
In her welcome address, the CEO of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd., Blessing Nanman, described the International Coffee Festival as the first of its kind in Nigeria, with participants from over 30 countries.
She said the event was designed to promote skills development and showcase the rich heritage of Plateau State through coffee.
Nanman revealed that the vision of Lingzhi Global is to create over 10,000 jobs within the first three years by building a sustainable coffee value chain. According to her, both government and the private sector would be involved to drive economic growth.
She further urged Nigerians, especially the people of Plateau, to embrace patience, sacrifice, and unity in order to achieve their dreams.
She prayed that the festival would renew belief in the greatness of Nigeria and open opportunities to share the state’s fertile land and natural resources with the world.
Declaring the Coffee Festival International Nigeria open, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, said coffee is a key cash crop for Plateau State.
He noted that his administration is committed to developing the value chain and encouraging young people to embrace entrepreneurship.
“Plateau is safe, full of culture, and blessed with the best weather and the best quality coffee,” he said.
The Governor praised Lingzhi Global CEO, Blessing Nanman, for promoting coffee and Plateau internationally.
He also announced the government’s support with 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, explained that Nigeria’s coffee industry collapsed in the 1980s due to global price crashes, the exit of the United States from the International Coffee Organization, and the Structural Adjustment Program.
He noted that many farmers abandoned coffee after government commodity boards were scrapped.
According to him, the government is now reviving the sector with private sector support through the Coffee Association of Nigeria. Paul praised Plateau State for its role and described coffee as Nigeria’s “real crude oil,” stressing that it can create huge job opportunities for young people.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, also praised Blessing Nanman for bringing the Coffee Festival International to Plateau State.
“This event has placed Plateau on the global coffee map,” she said, urging government and farmers to keep supporting the project.
She added that coffee can create jobs and transform lives, noting that Plateau is blessed and destined to become a global hub for coffee.
Brazilian coffee specialist, Rebecca Nogueira, described the Coffee Festival International in Nigeria as “an amazing movement” with great potential.
She said, “If Nigeria decides to make coffee a big industry, it is possible, and Brazil is ready to support from seed to cup.”
Nogueira praised Madam Blessing Nanman for driving the festival and revealed that she and her colleague, Natalia, were invited to explore possible collaboration between Brazil and Nigeria.
The Coffee Festival International in Jos also thrilled guests with cultural performances by Dantala, Asharuwa dancers, and Afri Theater Abuja, while special appearances from Anthony Amaechi Umeh, Lilian Uchenna, Nwosu Ngozi, and veteran actor Francis Duru added glamour to the event.
