The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has sought partnership with the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) to promote digital awareness and environmental consciousness ahead of the 2025 World Social Media Day.
During a courtesy visit to PEPSA headquarters on May 27, 2025, PLABOMA Chairman, Matthew Tegha, led members of the association to engage with the Director General of PEPSA and his team. He praised the agency’s commitment to keeping Plateau clean and sustainable, while proposing areas of collaboration, including a digital media retainership and joint participation in this year’s Social Media Day seminar.
Tegha noted that digital platforms play a vital role in amplifying public awareness and shaping community behaviour. “Our visit today is not only to express solidarity with your mission but also to seek meaningful collaboration that will further strengthen your agency’s reach and impact in the digital space,” he said.
In his remarks, PEPSA Director General, Samuel Dapiya, commended PLABOMA for maintaining professionalism and credibility in the digital media space. “Anyone can be a blogger,” he said, “but it takes years of consistency, sacrifice, and integrity to build a name that commands public trust.”
He underscored the role of media in driving behavioural change, especially around environmental sanitation. Recalling the agency’s decision to rely solely on social media for public mobilization during the January sanitation exercise, Dapiya described it as a successful test of digital influence. “We used only social media—no radio, no television—and yet the public turnout was impressive. That’s the power of what you do,” he stated.
Dapiya pledged to establish a working relationship with PLABOMA and expressed readiness to discuss the retainership proposal, stating, “Even if we can’t make lump-sum payments upfront, we’ll work out a structure that provides value to both sides.”
He also highlighted PEPSA’s ongoing initiatives including environmental protection, daily sanitation, and waste management. He noted that these efforts align with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s vision of boosting tourism and creating a cleaner Plateau. He revealed that the agency is building a website, developing a mobile waste management app, and running an 8-day open defecation sensitization program—initiatives for which he welcomed PLABOMA’s media support.
Describing the association as a beacon of hope, the DG stated, “There is strength in your togetherness. I see your sacrifice and professionalism. You are part of Plateau, and we are glad to partner with you.”
The event concluded with mutual expressions of willingness to collaborate, particularly on the upcoming World Social Media Day celebration, slated for June 30, 2025.
