The Plateau State Association of Tech Companies (PLATEC) has ushered in a new era with the election of Stephen Sunday as chairman. A seasoned entrepreneur and Web3/Blockchain expert, Sunday brings a wealth of experience in blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and business development. As the founder of Gonana, a blockchain-powered platform revolutionizing agriculture by connecting farmers to global markets, and KUSU Consult, a software development and blockchain consultancy firm specializing in delivering innovative solutions, he is well-positioned to lead PLATEC into its next phase of growth.
The election, which took place today on February 5, 2025, at the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) office in Jos, was attended by representatives from registered tech companies, stakeholders, and industry observers.
In his acceptance speech, Sunday outlined his vision for expanding digital innovation in Plateau State, focusing on Web3 adoption, startup acceleration, and increased collaboration between the private sector and government.
“Technology is the backbone of every sector, and we must be proactive in driving innovation. My goal is to position Plateau State as a leader in tech, not just in the North but across Nigeria. We will foster inclusivity, deepen collaboration, and create opportunities that ensure our tech ecosystem thrives,” he stated.
A Vision for PLATEC and the Plateau Tech Scene
Under Sunday’s leadership, PLATEC aims to:
- Strengthen the blockchain and Web3 community, encouraging more startups to explore decentralized solutions.
- Expand access to funding for tech companies through partnerships with venture capital firms and government initiatives.
- Enhance collaboration with academic institutions like the University of Jos and Plateau State Polytechnic to develop tech talent.
- Push for better policies that support the digital economy and startup growth in Plateau State.
The outgoing chairman, Chief Koppe Sylvanus Joseph, reflected on the strides made under his tenure, highlighting PLATEC’s successful engagements with the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy and participation in global tech events like GITEX in Morocco, Kigali, and the Digital Nigeria Conference in Abuja.
“PLATEC was formed to strengthen digital penetration, foster synergy among tech communities, and support the government in advocacy and policy reviews. I believe the new leadership will build on this foundation,” Joseph stated.
New PLATEC Executives
Alongside Stephen Sunday, the newly elected PLATEC executives include:
Vice Chairman: Ibrahim Jimoh
Executive Secretary: Elizabeth Hris
Treasurer: Stephanie Ideho-Iraoya
Financial Secretary: Bulus Azi Nyam
Director of Innovation: Saviour O. Anyanwu
Public Relations Officer: Joseph Enojo Ajogwu
Assistant PRO: Isaiah Ibigbemi
The election committee chairman, Eric Martins, praised the transparency and seamless electoral process, urging all members to remain committed to building a strong tech ecosystem.
A Bright Future for Jos’ Tech Ecosystem
Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, Director General of PLASMIDA, emphasized the importance of PLATEC in consolidating the efforts of tech companies in Plateau State.
“We established this association to create a unified front for tech development. The ICT sector has a vast value chain, and bringing these companies together has allowed us to address poverty and unemployment through innovation,” Wuyep said.
Similarly, Dr. Yinka Oyerinde, Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Plateau State chapter, highlighted the uniqueness of Plateau’s tech ecosystem, noting that unlike many states where tech is either government-driven or dominated by academia, Plateau enjoys a balanced collaboration among stakeholders.
“This unity has been a major strength of PLATEC, and I believe Stephen Sunday’s leadership will further enhance this synergy,” Dr. Oyerinde remarked.
What to Expect Next
With a new chairman at the helm, PLATEC is expected to drive policy advocacy, blockchain adoption, startup growth, and increased investment in Plateau’s tech ecosystem.
As Web3, AI, and digital finance become more mainstream, Plateau State has the potential to become a leading hub for technological innovation in Northern Nigeria. The coming months will reveal how Sunday and his team execute their vision, but one thing is certain—the future of tech in Jos just got a major boost.
