Networking Events and Professional Communities in Jos: Don't Sleep On This (Seriously)
okay, so like, i’m running on three hours of sleep and a serious caffeine drip, but i gotta talk about Jos. it’s… it’s weirdly good. i just got back from a week, and honestly, my brain feels like a scrambled egg, but the vibe? the vibe was something. i was here chasing a lead on a potential mural commission (more on that later), and i stumbled into this whole network thing. it’s not like a polished, LinkedIn-approved scene, you know? it’s more like… a bunch of people just trying to figure things out, which, let’s be real, is pretty much everyone.
first off, the weather. it’s this… sticky heat, like a damp towel draped over everything. it’s called ‘ghost rain’ - it doesn’t actually rain, just this thick, grey mist that hangs in the air all day. feels like you’re perpetually underwater. but then, suddenly, it’ll clear and the sun’ll blast through, and you’re like, ‘what the actual?’ it’s a rollercoaster, honestly. and you’re only a couple of hours from Plateau State, so you can hop over there for a bit of cooler air if you need a break.
so, networking. i started with the Plateau State Chamber of Commerce, which is basically a dusty office building near the old government house. it’s… quiet. like, really quiet. i mostly just chatted with a guy named Samuel who sells agricultural equipment. he told me the job market’s tight, mostly farming and small businesses. average rent for a decent one-bedroom? around 80,000 - 120,000 naira. food’s cheap, though. you can get a full plate of pounded yam and stew for like 500 naira. insane.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298307-Jos_Plateau_State-Vacations.html
then there’s the ‘creative collective’ - it’s more of a WhatsApp group, tbh. i found it through a local Reddit thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/Jos). it’s full of artists, photographers, musicians, you name it. they’re mostly doing freelance stuff, trying to build a scene. i met a sculptor named Aisha who’s working on a series of pieces inspired by traditional Hausa patterns. she said, and i quote, "the biggest problem is getting people to see the art, you know? everyone’s too busy scrolling through their phones." brutal, right?
and let me tell you about the murals. i was looking for a spot for a piece, and i heard whispers about a guy named David who’s doing some incredible work on the walls of the old market. he’s a total recluse, though. i managed to catch him after a few days of lurking, and he’s a wild card. he’s covered in tattoos, speaks in riddles, and seems to be fueled entirely by ginger tea. he told me, “the walls remember everything. they hold the stories of this city.” he’s working on a massive piece depicting the history of Jos, from the Fulani migrations to the colonial era. it’s… intense.
*Local Markets - they’re chaotic, loud, and full of life. Street Food Vendors - don’t be afraid to try anything, but maybe start with the suya. The Plateau State Museum - surprisingly good, especially if you’re into history. The Jos Terminus Railway Station - a beautiful, crumbling relic of the colonial past. The Government House - a grand old building with a fascinating history.
Overheard Gossip: “I heard the government’s trying to build a new tech hub, but it’s going to be a disaster. Too much red tape, not enough talent.” Another Local: “Don’t trust anyone who offers you ‘genuine’ Nigerian currency. It’s always a scam.” A Taxi Driver:* “Just be careful at night. Stick to the main roads.” (Seriously, take that one to heart.)
https://www.yelp.com/map?q=jos+nigeria
overall, Jos is a place that gets under your skin. it’s not polished, it’s not perfect, but it’s real. it’s a place where you can stumble upon unexpected connections, discover hidden talents, and maybe, just maybe, find a little bit of yourself. just… bring bug spray. and a lot of patience.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/?tagged=josnigeria
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