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“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 Obidient Movement has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to stay away from any plan to rig the 2027 general elections.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Movement’s Directorate of Media and Communications.
The Movement said Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders through a free, fair and credible process.
This comes after Wike recently declared that he would lead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.
The Movement also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to remain neutral and resist any form of political interference in the elections.
It stressed that no individual or political party has the right to decide the outcome of an election before citizens cast their votes.
Recall that Wike had on Monday described himself as the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in both territories.
The minister also said he would coordinate political activities in support of the President’s second-term ambition.
In response to the declaration, the Obidients said, “Wike must understand that coordinating a political campaign does not confer ownership of the electorate, control over voters, or authority over the electoral process.”
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The Shendam Local Government Council of Plateau State is investing in a standard hotel in Karu, Nasarawa State, to boost internally generated revenue, create employment opportunities and provide accommodation for residents visiting Abuja and its environs.
The Shendam Guest House, which is currently 40 per cent complete, is expected to partner with Continental Hotels and other top hospitality brands to ensure professional service delivery and sustainable returns for the council.
The council chairman, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, disclosed this during an inspection of the project attended by lawmakers, government representatives, stakeholders and other local government chairmen.
Nshe explained that the project involved redeveloping an old facility comprising 13 flats constructed during the administration of former chairman Sebastian Bukhari more than two decades ago.
He said the council negotiated with the occupants and arranged alternative accommodation to pave the way for construction, adding that the project was expected to be completed within six months.
The facility will feature 84 en-suite rooms, event halls, a restaurant, laundry services, a swimming pool, a lounge and a gym.
Nshe said his administration was focused on investing public funds in sustainable projects that would deliver long-term benefits to the people.
“We are not thinking of taking the money, but we are thinking of investing the money,” he said.
The project consultant, Engr. Lawi Abdalla of ATM EARTH Creatives, expressed confidence that the hotel would be completed within six months, citing the commitment of workers despite challenges posed by the rainy season.
He explained that the nature of the terrain required stronger reinforcement materials and extensive retaining walls to ensure the building’s stability.
The member representing Shendam Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Joe Bukar, commended Nshe for the initiative, describing it as a visionary investment capable of generating revenue and creating jobs.
Bukar said the project aligned with the Plateau State Government’s The Time Is Now mantra and expressed confidence that it would deliver lasting benefits to the people of Shendam.
Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, described the project as an investment in the future and urged the contractor to ensure timely completion.
He encouraged local government chairmen to learn from one another and pursue sustainable development initiatives that would strengthen their councils’ financial capacity.
The Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, who spoke on behalf of other council chairmen, commended Nshe for the initiative.
Pwajok said the hotel would provide accommodation for Plateau indigenes visiting Abuja while serving as a potential source of revenue for the council.
He also commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting development initiatives across the state’s 17 local government areas, expressing hope that the project would inspire similar investments elsewhere.
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