On Saturday, June 29, 2024, Plateau State celebrated the inaugural Plateau Social Media Day, organized by the newly appointed media aides to Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The event featured a peace walk from Secretariat Junction to the newly constructed National Library – Abattior overhead bridge.
In a statement to journalists after the procession, Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, highlighted the importance of the day. “It is very important that we come together on this social media day to strategize on how to advance Plateau State. Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and we must use it effectively for development.”
Bere emphasized the role of social media in promoting the achievements of the current administration and changing the narrative of Plateau State from one of insecurity to one of peace and development. “Jos is now the most peaceful city in Nigeria. We must use social media to showcase this transformation and attract people to come and do business here,” he added.
The event also saw participation from various state officials who echoed Bere’s sentiments. Mr. Datong Dominic Gwaman, The Director-General of Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) stressed the importance of responsible social media use. “Any message you forward online can have significant implications. We must ensure that our posts promote truth, fairness, and peace,” he said.
Similarly, the Director-General of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), Mr. Samuel Nathaniel Dapiya, underscored the utility of social media in promoting environmental hygiene and sustainable practices. “Social media is a powerful tool for us at PEPSA. We use it to promote best practices in waste management and other environmental initiatives,” Dapiya stated.
The event highlighted various projects undertaken by the Mutfwang administration, including the completion of the previously abandoned bridge where the peace walk ended. Bere praised the government’s efforts in urban renewal, citing the new infrastructure as evidence of progress. He also mentioned the governor’s recent engagements with international investors and organizations like the UNDP, which have shown interest in investing in Plateau State’s key economic sectors: mining, agriculture, and tourism.
The day’s activities aimed to encourage positive and developmental use of social media, contrasting it with the negative impacts of misinformation and propaganda. “We must use social media to communicate development, unity, and peaceful coexistence,” Bere concluded.
