Jos, Plateau State – The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) on Friday, August 22, paid a courtesy visit to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Jos (NOHJos), with a call for stronger collaboration to drive health awareness, effective information dissemination, and narrative control in the state.
The delegation was warmly received by the Chief Medical Director of NOHJos, Prof. Icha Inalegwu Onche, alongside the Director of Administration, Mr. Gideon Nchoka Adamu.
Speaking during the visit, PLABOMA’s Public Relations Officer, Peter Akpah, described the association as Nigeria’s first organized bloggers’ body, stressing its role in credibility and narrative management.
“People now look to us for credible news. Even influencers among us seek our validation before posting,” he said. “We have sanitized the blogging space in Plateau. We don’t just add anyone—our members are screened for professionalism.”
In his remarks, PLABOMA Chairman, Mathew Tegha, highlighted the purpose of the visit, noting that it was beyond courtesy but a demonstration of the association’s commitment to building bridges between digital media and critical institutions.
“The National Orthopedic Hospital Jos stands as a beacon of hope in specialized healthcare. Our mandate as PLABOMA is to shape narratives, amplify positive stories, and ensure that institutions like yours receive the visibility they deserve,” he said.
Tegha proposed areas of collaboration, including amplifying NOHJos’s success stories, promoting preventive health awareness, safeguarding the hospital’s reputation against misinformation, and strengthening digital community engagement. He later presented a formal partnership proposal to the hospital management.
Responding, Prof. Onche expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging the importance of new media in tackling misinformation and projecting institutional achievements. He also shed light on the hospital’s challenges and progress.
“Since May, we have had nearly 400 patients in our outpatient department. Recruitment has been tough, but we are determined to deliver specialized orthopedic care. What is holding us back now is the lack of critical equipment from the Federal Ministry of Health, which we are still awaiting,” he said.
The CMD praised the Plateau State Governor for his support to the hospital despite it being a federal project.
“The governor has done so much for us—even beyond his mandate. From road works to water supply, he has supported us, knowing that Plateau people will benefit. We remain grateful,” Prof. Onche added.
He emphasized the importance of credible reportage and urged bloggers to help counter misinformation.
“If a wrong story goes out, it can damage us. This is why we value you as partners. We must work together to project the truth and strengthen public trust,” he told the delegation.
Also speaking, Mr. Gideon Nchoka Adamu, Director of Administration at NOHJos, thanked PLABOMA for deeming it fit to visit the institution, assuring them of the hospital’s openness to partnership.
“Like the MD said, we will consider your proposal. Continue to promote peace, healthy living, and the voice of truth,” he said.
PLABOMA Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Audu Alex, in a closing remark, underscored the far-reaching impact of digital media.
“A single post from a reputable platform can circulate within minutes and counter fake news. Our members are bound by professionalism and credibility, and we are always available to support institutions like NOHJos,” he stated.
The visit ended with assurances of mutual collaboration, with both parties agreeing on the need for digital media to strengthen healthcare communication and public trust.
