The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has marked the 2026 World Social Media Day with a vibrant and impactful celebration in Jos, bringing together government officials, media professionals, content creators, students, security agencies and digital enthusiasts to promote innovation, creativity and responsible use of social media.
The event, held at Usiju World Event Center in Jos, was themed “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement” and provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the growing influence of digital media, while highlighting the critical role of young people in driving innovation, collaboration and positive social change through online platforms.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of PLABOMA, Chief Matthew Oyerinde Tegha, described social media as a powerful force that has evolved beyond a communication tool into a major driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation and civic engagement.
According to him, bloggers and content creators have a significant responsibility in reshaping the narrative about Plateau State. He urged digital media practitioners to deliberately use their platforms to showcase the state’s tourism potential, rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial successes and investment opportunities rather than allowing negative stories to dominate public discourse.
Tegha further called on the Plateau State Government, peacebuilding organisations, entrepreneurs and business owners to collaborate closely with bloggers and content creators in promoting Plateau State’s positive image. He noted that such partnerships would not only enhance the state’s reputation but also contribute to sustainable development and economic growth.
Delivering the keynote address, the Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Kaneng Pam Hworo, challenged young people to use their digital voices as instruments of innovation, creativity and nation-building rather than channels for spreading harmful content.
Speaking on the theme of the event, Hworo emphasized that social media has transformed into a powerful tool capable of shaping public opinion, mobilising communities and influencing national development. She observed that every post, video, podcast and livestream carries the potential to create positive impact.
She noted that every smartphone has become a powerful platform and every content creator possesses the capacity to serve as an agent of positive change. She therefore encouraged young people to use their digital influence responsibly by promoting truth, creativity, innovation and values that contribute to community and national development.
Also speaking, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Dr. Gyang Bere, urged bloggers and content creators to prioritize peace, unity and responsible journalism in their digital engagements. He stressed that citizen journalism comes with the responsibility of protecting national security and fostering social cohesion.
Bere called on digital media practitioners to amplify Plateau State’s positive stories, including its development strides, tourism attractions and resilient people. He assured participants of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s continued support for the media in advancing responsible digital communication and sustainable development.
Member of the PLABOMA Board of Trustees, Mr. Yakubu Taddy, cautioned social media users against irresponsible online activities, warning that content shared on digital platforms could have lasting consequences on personal and professional lives.
He advocated stronger collaboration among media organisations and social media stakeholders to promote fact-checking and responsible journalism, urging bloggers and digital publishers to verify information before publication in order to curb the spread of misinformation.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of PLABOMA’s Unified Bloggers Website, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect more than 30 active bloggers, strengthen collaboration and enhance the visibility of digital journalism in Plateau State.
The newly launched platform, PLABOMA Unified Bloggers Website, was widely commended by stakeholders, who described it as a significant step toward fostering collaboration among online publishers and promoting credible digital journalism across the state.
While applauding the initiative, stakeholders encouraged PLABOMA to expand the platform’s focus by actively promoting Plateau State’s tourism destinations, cultural heritage and investment opportunities. They noted that consistent positive storytelling would help reshape perceptions about the state and attract visitors and investors.
The Secretary of PLABOMA, Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, described social media as a powerful tool for communication, business, education, news dissemination and civic engagement. He urged participants to leverage digital platforms responsibly to create opportunities, promote innovation and contribute meaningfully to societal development.
Popular content creator and comedian, Mr. Sunday Agbaji, popularly known as Hilarious Sunnie, also highlighted the transformative power of digital media. Sharing his journey in content creation, he encouraged young people to embrace creativity, consistency and originality, noting that impactful digital content can educate, inspire, entertain and create sustainable economic opportunities.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, encouraged young people and content creators to take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities available through social media. He emphasized that quality storytelling and content creation can be monetised to generate sustainable income while promoting positive narratives about Plateau State and Nigeria.
Representing the Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, Mr. Kenneth Dakop, Team Lead, Strategic Communication, commended PLABOMA for promoting peace and positive narratives through digital media. He described the association as a strategic partner in advancing social cohesion and assured it of the agency’s continued support.
Similarly, representing the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola, Capt. CP Oteh praised PLABOMA for promoting responsible digital journalism. He urged bloggers and content creators to support security efforts by sharing verified information, promoting peacebuilding and fostering unity through positive storytelling.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals and organisations in recognition of their effective use of social media to promote public engagement, innovation and community development. Among the award recipients were PLASMIDA, PLASCHEMA, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, the Plateau State Ministry of Information, as well as several individuals recognised for excellence in youth engagement, media impact and community development.
The 2026 World Social Media Day celebration reinforced the growing importance of responsible digital engagement and highlighted the immense potential of social media as a tool for innovation, economic empowerment, peacebuilding and positive societal transformation. It also underscored PLABOMA’s commitment to strengthening digital journalism, empowering young content creators and promoting a more positive narrative for Plateau State through strategic storytelling and collaboration.
