News
“Let’s State the Facts as They Are”—Commissioner Lekshak Urges PLABOMA During Courtesy Visit
Jos, July 7, 2025 – The Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning in Plateau State, Hon. Adams Bulus Lekshak, has emphasized the need for factual and responsible reporting in the digital media space, calling on bloggers and online journalists to uphold credibility while disseminating information to the public.
He made the call on Monday while receiving members of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), who paid a courtesy visit to his office in Jos.
Hon. Lekshak, who was joined by the Permanent Secretary and Directors of the Ministry, described the social media space as “a very delicate platform,” noting that its reach even extends to the most remote communities due to the penetration of smartphones and internet access.
“If you verify your facts very well before you make your reports, it will help the government. Once we do not misrepresent the facts, government will always want to collaborate with you,” the Commissioner stated.
He reiterated the ministry’s openness to collaboration and transparency in governance, adding that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration operates with a mindset of openness and accountability.
“Let’s state the facts as they are. It makes the society healthy,” he added, assuring the group of the ministry’s willingness to work with credible platforms like PLABOMA to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination.
Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary of PLABOMA, Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, introduced the association as a network of over 30 verified bloggers and digital media professionals committed to grassroots engagement and the fight against fake news.
“Our association was established in 2020 and is made up of members with tested and trusted credibility. While many national platforms focus on Abuja and Lagos, PLABOMA prioritizes local stories and indigenous voices here on the Plateau,” Kallamu said.
He emphasized that the visit was not just ceremonial, but a step towards exploring collaboration in public enlightenment and policy dissemination.
“We’re here to seek your partnership, to ensure the right information reaches the grassroots, and to help bridge the gap between the government and the people,” he added.
Supporting the call for collaboration, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Peter Akpah, noted that the group maintains strict vetting procedures for new members to ensure discipline and quality reporting.
“Blogging is not just about typing randomly. We operate with a code of conduct. Not everyone who runs a blog can join us. We verify their content, and if they’re in the habit of spreading misinformation, they’re not admitted,” Akpah explained.
He further highlighted PLABOMA’s past partnerships, including a national dialogue campaign with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stressing that their platforms are already amplifying the voices and concerns of citizens—locally and globally.
“Even when we’re not physically present, we ensure someone documents events and delivers credible reports. People now pause and ask: ‘Did PLABOMA carry this?’ That’s the kind of trust we’ve built,” he said.
Hon. Lekshak expressed appreciation for the visit, reiterating that the ministry is already engaging citizens across 43 zones in the ongoing budget processing cycle and would be glad to involve PLABOMA in amplifying such engagements.
“We are partners with you because of what we do here. We will continue to work together so that the people of Plateau State get the right information at the right time,” he concluded.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.
The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.
One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.
The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.
For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.
Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.
The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.
Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.
For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.
Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.
Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.
Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.
Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.
However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.
The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.
Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.
The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.
Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.
For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.
-
News4 days agoPlateau APC 2027 Campaign Council inaugurated today in Jos
-
News4 days ago
Nigerians’ data appetite drives MTN Nigeria revenue to ₦2.68tn – Technology Times
-
News2 days ago
Plateau Ndigbo Crown Chief Johnson Nwosu as New Igwe
-
News2 days ago
Anthropic is working on a system to prove AI models’ identity
