In a significant move to commemorate its 20th anniversary, Chocolate City Group has entered into a 15-year strategic partnership with the Plateau State Government to establish a creative industry hub and radio station in Jos, the city where the company's journey began over two decades ago. This initiative aims to address the critical need for infrastructure in Nigeria's burgeoning music industry.
According to NotJustOk, the partnership will focus on developing production facilities, training programs, and media infrastructure designed to nurture creative talent in Nigeria's Middle Belt. Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group, emphasized the significance of this venture, stating, "Plateau is dear to me. I came here in 1993 to study law. Without Jos, there would be no Chocolate City. It's time we give something back."
This collaboration builds upon an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (FMACCE) in April, which outlined a framework for developing creative industry infrastructure across multiple regions of Nigeria. Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City Music, highlighted the broader vision: "Our goal is to channel creativity into productive economic activities across Nigeria. We're starting with Jos because of our roots there, but we're working with both state and federal partners to address infrastructure gaps nationwide."
The initiative is timely, as Nigeria's entertainment and media market is projected to grow from US$9.0bn in 2023 to US$13.6bn in 2028, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook (2024-2028). Industry experts believe this figure could multiply several times over with adequate infrastructure. The establishment of regional hubs like the one in Jos could distribute opportunities more equitably and uncover talent that might otherwise go undiscovered.
This partnership signifies a potential shift in how Nigeria's creative economy develops over the next decade, offering a template for sustainable infrastructure development through public-private partnerships. By investing in physical infrastructure, Chocolate City aims to improve career possibilities for young artists and creative entrepreneurs, particularly those outside Lagos.
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