Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has launched a Unified Bloggers Online Platform to strengthen collaboration among digital publishers, promote credible journalism, and project a more positive image of Plateau State.
The platform was unveiled on Tuesday during the 2026 World Social Media Day celebration in Jos. It is designed to serve as a central hub for registered and accredited bloggers, showcase verified stories from Plateau State and across Nigeria, and raise professional standards within the state’s expanding digital media landscape.
The event, themed “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” brought together government officials, media professionals, bloggers, content creators, students, development partners, and other stakeholders to examine the growing influence of social media in driving innovation, empowering young people, and supporting national development.
In his remarks, PLABOMA Chairman, Matthew Oyerinde Tegha, described social media as far more than a communication tool, noting that it has become a powerful driver of entrepreneurship, job creation, civic participation, and investment.
“Today also marks an important milestone in our collective journey. It is my honour to formally announce the unveiling of the Unified Bloggers Online Platform for Plateau State. This platform will showcase the collective efforts of bloggers and their professionalism in churning out verified and credible stories from Plateau State and Nigeria at large. It will also serve as a directory for registered and accredited bloggers on the Plateau. Together, we can build a digital ecosystem that reflects excellence, credibility, innovation and responsible engagement,” he said.
Tegha explained that the platform would encourage greater collaboration among bloggers while promoting ethical journalism and ensuring that credible information remains at the forefront of the digital space.
He also challenged bloggers and content creators to help reshape public perception of Plateau State by highlighting its tourism potential, cultural heritage, resilient people, entrepreneurial achievements, and investment opportunities, rather than allowing narratives of insecurity to dominate.
“The story of Plateau goes far beyond recurring reports of insecurity. Our state is blessed with breathtaking landscapes, thriving tourism destinations, rich cultural heritage, resilient communities, growing infrastructure, entrepreneurial talent, technological innovation and countless success stories that deserve national and global attention,” he added.
The PLABOMA chairman further called on the Plateau State Government, development partners, peacebuilding organisations, and private sector stakeholders to work with bloggers and content creators in amplifying the state’s positive stories to audiences both within and outside Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, the Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Kaneng Pam Hworo, urged young people to use their digital platforms responsibly by promoting innovation, truth, and national development.
“Social media has evolved beyond a communication platform into a powerful tool capable of shaping public opinion, mobilising communities and influencing national development. Every post, video, podcast or livestream carries the potential to make a positive impact. Every smartphone has become a powerful platform, and every content creator has the capacity to serve as an agent of positive change.”
She encouraged young people to harness social media to create opportunities, inspire meaningful change, and contribute to nation-building.
Also speaking, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Dr. Gyang Bere, urged bloggers and online publishers to embrace responsible journalism by prioritising verified information that promotes peace, unity, and social cohesion.
“Citizen journalism comes with enormous responsibility. Bloggers and content creators must use their platforms to promote peace, unity and responsible journalism while protecting national security through verified information. Plateau has many positive stories that deserve greater visibility, and government will continue to support responsible digital communication,” he said.
Other speakers, including representatives of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Operation Enduring Peace, the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, and members of PLABOMA’s Board of Trustees, also underscored the importance of ethical content creation, fact-checking, and stronger collaboration among digital media practitioners.
The event also featured awards presented to individuals and organisations in recognition of their contributions to digital communication, innovation, and community development. Honourees included PLASMIDA, PLASCHEMA, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, the Plateau State Ministry of Information, Youth Engagement and Impact, Media Icon, and Godwin Okoko.
The celebration concluded on an optimistic note, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the newly launched platform will strengthen collaboration among online publishers while positioning Plateau State as a leading hub for credible digital journalism and positive storytelling.
