The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) on Friday, August 22, paid a courtesy visit to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Jos (NOHJ), in a bid to strengthen collaboration with the health sector through digital media partnership, awareness creation, and effective information dissemination.
The delegation was warmly received by the Chief Medical Director of NOHJ, Prof. Icha Inalegwu Onche, alongside the Director of Administration, Mr. Gideon Nchoka Adamu.
Speaking during the visit, PLABOMA’s Public Relations Officer, Peter Akpah, underscored the uniqueness of the association as Nigeria’s first registered bloggers’ association. He noted that PLABOMA had sanitized the blogging space in Plateau State by setting a standard for credibility.
“People now look to us for credible news. Even influencers among us seek our validation before posting,” Akpah said.
In his address, PLABOMA Chairman, Mathew Tegha, emphasized the importance of building strong institutional partnerships with the digital media community. He praised NOHJ’s critical role in orthopedic and trauma management, while pledging PLABOMA’s commitment to amplifying the hospital’s successes and promoting public health awareness.
Responding, Prof. Onche expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged the role of new media in countering misinformation. He also used the occasion to highlight the hospital’s efforts in hiring competent staff despite external pressures.
“My greatest stress has been recruitment, but I can boldly say that 98% of our recruitment was based on merit,” he said. “We refused political interference and gave opportunities to the very best candidates. This is because we are building a structure that must stand the test of time. We need the best, not political patronage.”
The CMD also lauded Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for his support to the hospital despite it being a federal institution. According to him, the governor has assisted with infrastructure, water supply, and encouragement, noting that such goodwill has enabled the hospital to keep pushing forward even as it awaits critical equipment from the Federal Ministry of Health.
Mr. Gideon Nchoka Adamu, Director of Administration, thanked PLABOMA for deeming it fit to visit the institution and urged the association to continue promoting healthy living and truth-telling through responsible media engagement.
“Like the MD said, we will surely consider the proposed partnership. Continue to be a voice of peace, healthy living, and the people,” Adamu said.
In his closing remark, PLABOMA’s Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Audu Alex, stressed the power of online publishing, noting that credible platforms play a key role in countering fake news.
“I can assure you that everything we put out is credible because we are bound by law. With our platforms, your message gains not just reach but also trust,” Alex assured.
The visit ended with the presentation of a partnership proposal by PLABOMA, reaffirming the association’s readiness to support NOHJ through responsible coverage and public health campaigns.
