The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, following the official flag-off of the Phase II rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road in Plateau State.

The project, flagged off on Thursday at Dungung Community in Kanke Local Government Area, was performed on behalf of President Tinubu by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in the presence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, federal and state lawmakers, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.

Speaking during the ceremony on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Gagdi expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project and acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Yilwatda and the Minister of Works toward expanding federal infrastructure in Plateau State.

He described the commencement of the road project as another indication that the Federal Government is responding to the developmental needs of the people and ensuring that previously neglected infrastructure receives attention.

Gagdi also congratulated Prof. Yilwatda on his leadership of the APC, stating that Plateau State has continued to benefit from increased federal presence and development initiatives.

The lawmaker thanked the people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency for their continued confidence in his representation, assuring them that he would remain committed to attracting projects and providing effective representation at the National Assembly.

“I thank all of you for sending me to the National Assembly,” he said. “You have not regretted it the first time, you will not regret it the second time, and you will not regret it the third time.”

Gagdi noted that the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road would significantly improve transportation, promote commerce, ease the movement of agricultural produce and strengthen socio-economic activities across communities within the constituency and neighbouring areas.

Earlier, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the road as a gateway to greater economic opportunities and thanked President Tinubu for approving the project. He also appealed for the reconstruction of another strategic federal road linking several local government areas in Plateau State to Taraba State.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the remaining 40-kilometre stretch of the road would be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, adding that the project would also feature solar-powered street lights, surveillance cameras, tree planting and other modern infrastructure designed to improve safety and durability.

Representing President Tinubu, Prof. Yilwatda described the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road as a strategic national corridor that would connect communities, facilitate trade and agriculture, enhance security and support regional economic integration. He assured residents that the Federal Government remained committed to delivering critical infrastructure across Plateau State and other parts of the country.

Also speaking, former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Bako Lalong, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, praised the Federal Government’s investment in road infrastructure and expressed confidence that the project would accelerate development across the state.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of a traditional title on Senator Umahi by the Paramount Ruler of the Ngas Nation, His Royal Majesty Nde Jika Golit Ngolong Ngas, in recognition of the minister’s contributions to infrastructure development.

The contractor, Decency Associates Limited, assured the Federal Government and host communities of its readiness to deliver the project in accordance with approved engineering standards and within the stipulated timeframe.

The Phase II rehabilitation covers the remaining 40 kilometres of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road, including a spur to Kanke Local Government Headquarters, and is expected to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and further advance the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope infrastructure programme.

The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) hosted an impactful 2026 World Social Media Day celebration in Jos, bringing together key stakeholders, media professionals, content creators, students and digital enthusiasts to promote innovation, creativity and responsible use of social media.

The event was held at Usiju World Event Center, under the theme “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” served as a platform for meaningful conversations on the growing influence of digital media, while highlighting the role of young people in driving innovation, collaboration and positive social change through online platforms.

Speaking during the event, Chairman of PLABOMA, Chief Matthew Oyerinde Tegha, has said social media has evolved beyond a communication tool to become a major driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation and civic engagement.

He said bloggers and content creators have a critical role to play in reshaping the narrative about Plateau State, urging them to use their digital platforms to promote the state’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, entrepreneurial successes and investment opportunities rather than allowing negative stories to dominate public discourse.

Tegha also called on the Plateau State Government, peace builders, entrepreneurs and business owners to work closely with bloggers and content creators in promoting Plateau’s tourism potential, cultural heritage and investment opportunities, saying such partnerships would help reshape the state’s image and drive development.

The keynote speaker and Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Kaneng Pam Hworo, challenged young people to use their digital voices as instruments for innovation, creativity and nation-building rather than spreading harmful content.

Speaking on the theme, “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” Hworo said social media has evolved beyond a communication platform into a powerful tool capable of shaping public opinion, mobilising communities and influencing national development. She noted that every post, video, podcast or livestream carries the potential to make a positive impact.

According to her, every smartphone has become a powerful platform, while every content creator has the capacity to serve as an agent of positive change. She urged youths to leverage their digital influence responsibly by promoting truth, creativity, innovation and values that contribute to the growth of their communities and the nation.

Also speaking, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Dr. Gyang Bere, urged bloggers and content creators to use their digital platforms to promote peace, unity and responsible journalism, stressing that citizen journalism comes with the responsibility of protecting national security and fostering social cohesion.

He called on digital media practitioners to project Plateau State’s positive stories, including its development strides, tourism potential and resilient people, assuring them 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 what people post on digital platforms could have lasting consequences on their personal and professional lives. He urged content creators to be mindful of the information they share online.

Taddy also called for stronger collaboration among media and social media organisations to promote fact-checking and responsible journalism, encouraging 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 first-of-its-kind platform designed to connect over 30 active bloggers, strengthen collaboration and boost the visibility of digital journalism in Plateau State.

Stakeholders at the event commended PLABOMA for launching its Unified Bloggers Website: https://plaboma.com/ , describing the initiative as a major step towards strengthening collaboration among online publishers and promoting credible digital journalism in Plateau State.

They, however, urged the association to expand the platform’s focus by promoting Plateau State’s rich tourism destinations, cultural heritage and investment opportunities, noting that consistent positive storytelling would help reshape the state’s image and attract more visitors and investors.

The Secretary of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, said social media has evolved into a powerful tool for communication, business, education, news dissemination and civic engagement, urging participants to leverage digital platforms responsibly to create opportunities, promote innovation and contribute to societal development.

Popular content creator and comedian, Mr. Sunday Agbaji, popularly known as Hilarious Sunnie, highlighted the transformative power of digital media, sharing his journey in content creation and encouraging young people to embrace creativity, consistency and originality. He noted that impactful digital content has the potential to educate, inspire, entertain and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, urged young people and content creators to take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities offered by social media, stressing that impactful 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, describing the association as a strategic partner in advancing social cohesion and assuring it of the agency’s continued support in building a peaceful and united Plateau State.

Representing the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola, Capt. CP Oteh commended PLABOMA for promoting responsible digital journalism and urged bloggers and content creators to use their platforms to support security efforts, promote peacebuilding and foster unity by sharing verified information and positive narratives about Plateau State.

The event ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals and organisations, including PLASMIDA bagged an award of excellence for youth Empowerment and Development, PLASCHEMA award of excellence for effective use of social media to promote public health, NUJ Chairman Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo as Media Icon, the Plateau State Ministry of Information and communication got an award of excellence for Media Advancement , and Dr Godwin Okoko Executive Director of Bege Foundation for Youth Engagement and Impact.