Events

PLABOMA Marks 2026 World Social Media Day, Unveils Unified Bloggers Website in Jos

Published

4 weeks ago

July 21, 2026

Preport

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Entertainment

Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

Preport

The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.

The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.

Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.

The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.

The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.

Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.

With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.

Events

Royals, Leaders Unite To Strengthen, Sustain Nigeria’s Security

Published

2 weeks ago

August 1, 2026

Preport

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Traditional rulers, religious leaders, security chiefs and policymakers on Friday came together to find ways of building a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable security framework.

They came together at the maiden National Citizens Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Project 774 Network in Abuja.

The event had its theme, “Our Security, Our Duty: Citizens Standing with Our Troops to End Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping.”

The stakeholders all agreed that lasting peace in Nigeria required moving beyond crisis response to fixing its root causes.

The Convener of Project 774, Mohammed Ibrahim, said that the core beauty of the project lies in its ability to bring all sides together.

“Wherever you find a gap between leaders and citizens, the only thing to do is unite both sides for a common cause. I am happy we have people with a genuine desire to take this country forward as one,” he said.

Drawing from experience, he recalled how commitment to nationhood went beyond official titles.

“You do not need to be a governor, minister or ambassador to serve this nation.

“All you need is the heart of one who loves Nigeria, and the will to act from wherever you stand,’’ he said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s immense potential, saying Nigeria is one of the greatest countries in the world.

According to him, it is the only nation where the land holds wealth that can fund all we need.

“We have the resources; what we need now is the unity and will to channel them toward solutions that lift every citizen,’’ he said.

Chief Convener, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, said that the name “774” stands for the nation’s total number of local government areas.

Sanusi said the summit moved beyond reacting to crises to building lasting systems where every Nigerian contributes to peace.

The traditional leader also decried a widening class divide and fading sense of shared citizenship.

“Security works best when it belongs to everyone. We have become a highly divided society where a small wealthy minority lives in exclusive estates, cut off from the struggles of the majority.

“We have forgotten that every blessing is meant to be shared, and that prosperity should reach down to the most vulnerable,” he said.

He further highlighted drug abuse as a silent driver of violence.

“Many of those carrying out these atrocities are not in their right minds; they are under the influence of hard drugs.

“Insecurity anywhere is a threat to everyone everywhere. We must share information with security agencies, rebuild moral values in our communities, and work together to reclaim our nation,’’ he said.

Guest Speaker, Professor Sunday Lugard of the Faculty of Law, University of Jos, said that sustainable security thrived on partnership.

Lugard recalled how security experts had long foreseen the dangers facing the nation and called for a fundamental shift towards a citizen-centric approach to security governance.

“Laws and operations are important, but trust and active participation make them work.

“When communities stand with their troops, we close gaps that criminals exploit,” he said.

He urged delegates to use the summit to design clear, safe systems for communities to feed intelligence to police, military and the judiciary, and to ensure that every citizen can contribute without fear.

“Security is not just what the government does for us; it is what we build together, from the village up to the centre,” he said.

He also emphasised the need to deploy indigenous security services.

“Our people trust us. We will use that standing to foster cooperation, promote peace and ensure that every community becomes a partner in protecting our nation,” he said. (NAN)