NOA Urges Bloggers to Verify Reports as PLABOMA Pays Courtesy Visit in Jos
The Plateau State Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible digital journalism and combating fake news following a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jos.
The association’s delegation, led by its General Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, visited the NOA on Tuesday to appreciate the State Director, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, for delivering the keynote address at PLABOMA’s recently concluded 2026 World Social Media Day celebration.
The delegation was received by the management team of the agency at its state office in Jos.
Kallamu described the visit as a “thank-you visit” on behalf of PLABOMA 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 comprising more than 30 bloggers and online media practitioners.
According to him, the association is committed to promoting responsible digital journalism and ensuring that information disseminated to the public is accurate, timely and credible.
Kallamu expressed appreciation to Pam-Hworo for accepting the association’s invitation at short notice and delivering what he described as an insightful keynote address at the 2026 World Social Media Day celebration held at the Usiju World Event Centre.
“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 its role in public enlightenment during the 2024 local government elections.
Kallamu said PLABOMA and the NOA have a shared responsibility to provide credible information to citizens and pledged the association’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the agency in the fight against fake news, misinformation and disinformation.
NOA Director Warns Bloggers Against Speed Over Accuracy
Responding, the Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, thanked the association for the visit, describing it as thoughtful and encouraging.
She noted that although PLABOMA’s chairman could not attend, his consistent communication ahead of the visit demonstrated the cordial relationship between the two organisations.
Pam-Hworo reflected on the evolution of journalism and information dissemination, recalling the period when journalists manually wrote reports and transmitted them through fax machines before the emergence of digital media.
She acknowledged that social media and online journalism have revolutionised communication by allowing information to reach large audiences almost instantly.
However, she cautioned bloggers and online publishers against allowing the speed of digital media to compromise accuracy.
The NOA director stressed the need for practitioners to verify information thoroughly before publication, particularly when dealing with issues capable of generating public concern.
She cited the circulation of false information concerning the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as an example of how misinformation can mislead members of the public when not promptly checked and verified 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 publishing factual, balanced and credible reports capable of strengthening public confidence in the media.
NOA Pledges Continued Partnership With PLABOMA
The State Director assured PLABOMA of the agency’s continued support and willingness to work closely with online media practitioners in promoting civic education, public awareness and national development.
She explained that the NOA’s mandate extends beyond civic education to include public health campaigns, climate awareness, anti-human trafficking initiatives and other national advocacy programmes.
Pam-Hworo expressed optimism that closer collaboration between the agency and PLABOMA would improve the dissemination of credible information and contribute to the fight against fake news across Plateau State.
The visit ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their partnership in promoting responsible journalism, public enlightenment and the dissemination of accurate information across the state.
Key Takeaway
The engagement highlights the growing importance of collaboration between government public enlightenment agencies and online media practitioners, particularly at a time when social media has become one of the fastest channels through which Nigerians receive news and public information.
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