The Plateau State Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to appreciate the State Director, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, for delivering the keynote address at the association’s recently concluded 2026 World Social Media Day celebration.

The delegation, led by the association’s General Secretary, Mr. Imbrahim Kallamu, was received by the NOA management team at the agency’s state office in Jos.

Speaking during the visit, Kallamu described the meeting as a “thank-you visit” on behalf of the association’s chairman, Mr. Matthew Tegha, who was unavoidably absent.

He said PLABOMA, established in 2020 with 15 pioneer members under its first chairman, Friday Bako, has grown into a professional body of more than 30 bloggers and online media practitioners committed to promoting responsible digital journalism.

Kallamu expressed appreciation to Pam-Hworo for honouring the association’s invitation on short notice and for delivering what he described as an insightful keynote address during the 2026 World Social Media Day held at the Usiju World Event Centre.

According to him, the State Director’s presentation added immense value to the event and underscored the importance of responsible information dissemination in the digital age.

“We are here to appreciate you for honouring our invitation and for the support you continue to give in promoting accurate, timely and responsible information to the public,” he said.

He also commended the National Orientation Agency for its statewide public enlightenment campaigns, recalling the agency’s active role during the 2024 Plateau State local government elections.

Kallamu noted that PLABOMA and the NOA share a common responsibility of providing credible information to the public and pledged the association’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the agency in tackling fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

Responding, Pam-Hworo thanked the association for the visit, describing the gesture as thoughtful and encouraging.

She noted that although the association’s chairman could not attend the meeting, his consistent communication before the visit reflected the cordial relationship between both organisations.

The NOA State Director highlighted the significant transformation in information dissemination over the years, recalling the era when news reports were manually written and transmitted through fax machines before the emergence of digital media.

She acknowledged that social media and online journalism have revolutionised communication by enabling information to reach audiences almost instantly.

While commending the growth of the new media, Pam-Hworo cautioned practitioners against sacrificing accuracy for speed, stressing that every report should be properly verified before publication.

She cited the circulation of false information regarding the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise as an example of how misinformation could easily mislead the public if left unchecked.

According to her, the misleading report was promptly verified and debunked through the relevant authorities.

The NOA Director also urged bloggers and online publishers to ensure their reports promote national unity rather than deepen divisions.

“Be careful with the kind of news you publish. Verify your stories and avoid spreading fake news. Your reports should unite the country, not divide it,” she said.

Pam-Hworo encouraged media practitioners to maintain professional ethics by reporting factual, balanced and credible stories capable of fostering public trust.

She assured PLABOMA of the agency’s continued support, noting that the NOA remains open to working closely with online media practitioners in promoting civic education, public awareness and national development.

She further emphasized that the agency’s mandate extends beyond civic education to issues including public health, climate awareness, anti-human trafficking campaigns and other national advocacy programmes.

The State Director expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the NOA and PLABOMA would enhance the dissemination of credible information and contribute to combating fake news across Plateau State.

The visit ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to sustaining the partnership in promoting responsible journalism and accurate information dissemination in the state.