The Plateau State Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to appreciate the State Director, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, for delivering the keynote address at the association’s recently concluded 2026 World Social Media Day celebration.
The delegation, led by the association’s General Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, was received by the NOA management team at the agency’s state office in Jos.
Speaking during the visit, Kallamu described the meeting as a “thank-you visit” on behalf of the association’s Chairman, Mr. Matthew Tegha, who was unavoidably absent.
He explained that PLABOMA, established in 2020 with 15 pioneer members under its first Chairman, Friday Bako, has grown into a professional association of more than 30 bloggers and online media practitioners committed to promoting responsible digital journalism.
Kallamu expressed gratitude to Pam-Hworo for accepting the association’s invitation at short notice and for delivering what he described as an insightful keynote address during the 2026 World Social Media Day celebration held at the Usiju World Event Centre.
According to him, the State Director’s presentation enriched the event and reinforced the importance of responsible information dissemination in the digital age.
“We are here to appreciate you for honouring our invitation and for the support you continue to give in promoting accurate, timely and responsible information to the public,” Kallamu said.
He also commended the National Orientation Agency for its sustained public enlightenment campaigns across Plateau State, recalling the agency’s active role during the 2024 local government elections.
Kallamu noted that PLABOMA and the NOA share a common responsibility of providing credible information to the public and pledged the association’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the agency in combating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
Responding, the Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, thanked the association for the visit, describing the gesture as thoughtful and encouraging.
She noted that although the association’s Chairman was unable to attend, his consistent communication ahead of the visit reflected the cordial relationship between both organizations.
Pam-Hworo reflected on the evolution of information dissemination, recalling a time when journalists manually wrote reports and transmitted them through fax machines before the rise of digital media.
She acknowledged that social media and online journalism have transformed communication by enabling information to reach audiences almost instantly.
While commending the rapid growth of new media, she cautioned practitioners against sacrificing accuracy for speed, stressing that every report should be thoroughly verified before publication.
She cited the circulation of false information regarding the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as an example of how misinformation can mislead the public if left unchecked, noting that the report was promptly verified and debunked through the appropriate authorities.
“Be careful with the kind of news you publish. Verify your stories and avoid spreading fake news. Your reports should unite the country, not divide it,” she advised.
Pam-Hworo urged bloggers and online publishers to uphold professional ethics by reporting factual, balanced, and credible stories capable of strengthening public confidence in the media.
She assured PLABOMA of the agency’s continued support, emphasizing that the NOA remains committed to working closely with online media practitioners to promote civic education, public awareness, and national development.
The State Director further explained that the agency’s mandate extends beyond civic education to include public health campaigns, climate awareness, anti-human trafficking initiatives, and other national advocacy programmes.
She expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the NOA and PLABOMA would enhance the dissemination of credible information and contribute significantly to combating fake news across Plateau State.
The visit concluded with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to continuing their partnership to promote responsible journalism, public enlightenment, and the dissemination of accurate information across the state.
