You could really cuddle the rocks and kiss them. When you climb the hills you will actually touch the clouds because you will not help but imagine how the mountains are locked in an embrace with the sky. The sweetest thing for me is the smell of its harmattan. It will give you a crown of white hair on your head. The rains can stay with you all day and escort you to bed, and even when you wake at dawn, like a faithful dog the rains will be waiting on you. This is the Jos they may never know. Jos the capital city of Plateau state, in Central Nigeria, Africa.

You could really cuddle the rocks and kiss them. When you climb the hills you will actually touch the clouds because you cannot not help but imagine how the mountains are locked in an embrace with the sky. The sweetest thing for me is the smell of its harmattan. It will give you a crown of white hair on your head. The rains can stay with you all day and escort you to bed, and even when you wake at dawn, like a faithful dog the rains will be waiting on you. This is the Jos they may never know. Jos the capital city of Plateau state, in Central Nigeria, Africa.

Jos is one of the coolest cities to live on earth. Naturally blessed and humanly dressed. The tourism of this town is breath taking, the weather is seducing, the atmosphere superb, the people are wonderful. The main indigenes of Jos are the Beroms, Afizire (Jarawa) and Anagutas. As the capital of Plateau state, other tribes from all over the state live and work in Jos; Ngas, Gommai, Mughavul, Mupun, Quan, Pan,Taroh, Bassa etc. It is a pot mixed with different grills. Prior to the debut of home video in Nigeria which midwifed the birth of Nollywood; Jos was the theatre and drama capital of Nigeria. The National Film Institute, The Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the Nigerian Television Authority College all sit in Jos. The Headquarters of Industrial Training Funds is also in Jos. The theater arts department of the University of Jos has produced the best acts and talents in Nigeria.

Talking about the University of Jos; Jos is like a weeping mother without her university. The University ofJos gives soul to the town. The fact that a guy could show up on your door step at any moment makes it germane for cleanliness and personal hygiene. We also had pots to run to when we were hungry in these female hostels. The phrase” kaduna Mafia” which was dominant in the political equation of Nigeria representing the powerful Northern power brokers was coined by the present Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sonny Tyoden. Professor Ali Mazrui, the renowned international African scholar is a professor at large of the university.

When you take a trip to the Wildlife Park or visit the Ray field resort. Oh my — The museum of African Arts boast of the largest congregation of people on the 26th of December every year. Shere Hills is one sweet place to visit in Jos, the combination of its mountains and waters exudes so much beauty and splendor. At Shere Hills nature is in communion with the city.

The comedy of bloody rivalry between the two main football teams, Plateau United and Mighty Jets will make you laugh and cry simultaneously at the Jos township stadium. For those who love to give themselves a treat; West of Mines is that place where meat and drinks respect the kingship of man. This Tin city called Jos, earned Nigeria foreign exchange during the colonial era. You will still see the tin mines as legacy of colonial exploitation of the people’s land and wealth. Jos is the home of Irish potatoes. Our ladies love Pringles, we the men are at home with chips. The cold weather makes it attractive to keep poultry and fish ponds.

The city is tops in education and social activities. Some of the best schools are located in and around Jos. Kent Academy Miango, a primary school with boarding facilities. Hillcrest, a first generation foreign tailored secondary school. Air force Military School, St. Louis College, St. Augustine’s major seminary until recently was the only catholic major seminary in the Northern part of Nigeria. The institution with the highest honours in the country: National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies is in Kuru near Jos. The University of Jos Teaching Hospital, ECWA Evangel Hospital, Our lady of Apostles Hospitals; are among the best health facilities in the country. Various churches both orthodox and Pentecostals have their headquarters in Jos.

Jos may not be the cradle of civilization, it is not the best town on earth, but surely it is a place to be. J-Town as the charming town is called, Josites as we of Jos are referred to, the town allures, she seduces and captivates. Jos holds those it calls and calls those it loves. In Jos; Life is serendipity, life is simple, life is fulfilling. When you dare Jos, you will be consumed; when you date Jos you will be dazzled. Jos has what it takes to hold you captive. It ceases your breathe and makes you exhale at same time.

Those who love Jos can never love another; those who have never known Jos do not know what they are missing. Jos is a lovers’ town. The ladies are beautifully created as the city; the guys are as solid as its rocks. The people may not all be from Jos but they are all of Jos.The city you may never know is one city, where nature was made to please man and man was created to exhaust the pleasure of nature. In harmony both man and nature continue to thrill themselves.

Life must not begin or end in Jos, but in Jos; life is beautiful or should I say life was beautiful? Because this is the Jos you may never know, since violence took over this once peaceful and serene city.

By Samuel Stephen-Wakdok

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The Jos you may never know – By Samuel Stephen Wakdok