The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Plateau State Government in its efforts to foster transparency, counter misinformation, and enhance citizen engagement through credible digital media reporting. This was the key message delivered during a courtesy visit by the association’s leadership to the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, at her office in Jos.
Leading the delegation, PLABOMA Chairman, Matthew Tegha, congratulated Hon. Rengnap on her appointment, describing it as timely and well-deserved given her experience in media and public communication. He lauded the Ministry of Information and Communication for its efforts in promoting openness and access to credible information.
Tegha emphasized the association’s strategic role in shaping public perception through responsible digital engagement. “This visit is both symbolic and strategic,” he said. “As a body of professional media practitioners, we are committed to promoting accurate reportage, constructive public discourse, and digital literacy. Our platforms have become major sources of news and information across Plateau State and beyond.”
Highlighting the strength of the association, Tegha revealed that PLABOMA comprises over 30 active members with vast online followings. He noted that a recent post by one of its members garnered over five million views, underlining the association’s potential in amplifying government narratives. He further called for stronger collaboration between the government and the online media community, particularly in combating fake news and promoting peace and development.
In her response, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap. expressed appreciation for the association’s work and warmly welcomed the team. She acknowledged her own background in online media, stating, “I am already one of you. I have worked as a blogger for the Plateau State Government, and I understand the unique power and responsibility that comes with this space.”
The Commissioner went on to outline key initiatives undertaken by the Governor Caleb Mutfwang-led administration, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, good governance, and security. She spoke about the establishment of an Interfaith Dialogue Committee to promote unity and address religious and ethnic divides, as well as the state’s investment in technology and community-based security through initiatives like Operation Rainbow.
While commending PLABOMA for its outreach and impact, Ramnap. also emphasized the need for professionalism among digital media practitioners. “There are some overzealous bloggers who rush to publish unverified information. This causes more harm than good,” she said. “As an association, we must uphold the highest standards of journalism and fact-checking to protect the image of our state.”
She called for continued partnership, assuring PLABOMA of the Ministry’s willingness to work closely with the association in driving a culture of credible information and peaceful coexistence across Plateau.
The visit concluded with mutual expressions of respect and a shared vision to leverage digital media for the greater good of Plateau State. Both parties agreed to explore further opportunities for collaboration in public communication, capacity building, and information management.
