Events
Plateau Marks 2026 World Malaria Day with Renewed Commitment to Elimination
The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with Plateau State Malaria Elimination Program (SMEP), development partners, and stakeholders, on Saturday commemorated the 2026 World Malaria Day 2026 with a call for sustained action to eliminate malaria across the state and Nigeria.
The event, held at Crystal Hall, Crispan Suites in Jos, was themed “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” with the slogan “Let’s Do It.” Activities began with a sensitisation health walk from Air Force Roundabout to the venue, aimed at raising public awareness on malaria prevention.
The ceremony attracted key stakeholders, including development partners, State Malaria Elimination Programme officers, healthcare workers, students of health institutions, and officials from the Plateau State Ministry of Health.
Representing the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Dr Benjamin Garkuwa Sumi described the day as an opportunity to reflect on progress made and reinforce commitment to ending malaria, a disease he noted remains a major public health burden in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria accounts for nearly a quarter of global malaria cases and deaths, with an estimated nine to ten deaths occurring every hour due to malaria-related complications. Despite this, he highlighted significant progress, noting that malaria prevalence in the country has declined over the years, while Plateau State has recorded even more remarkable gains.
He disclosed that malaria prevalence in Plateau dropped from 18.8 per cent in 2021 to 2.8 per cent in 2025, attributing the success to coordinated efforts by the State Ministry of Health and the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), supported by development partners.
Dr. Sumi also cited achievements in key interventions, including over 100 per cent coverage during the 2024 and 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaigns and a 96 per cent success rate in the 2024 Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) distribution campaign. He added that malaria commodities such as rapid diagnostic kits and treatment drugs are currently being supplied to over 400 health facilities across the state.
He urged residents to adopt preventive measures, including consistent use of treated mosquito nets, environmental sanitation, early testing, and proper antenatal care for pregnant women.
In his remarks, the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, commended stakeholders and partners for their roles in reducing malaria prevalence in the state. He emphasised the importance of environmental sanitation, noting that recent sensitisation campaigns and clean-up exercises were part of broader efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Baamlong expressed optimism that Plateau could achieve near-zero malaria prevalence in the coming years if collective efforts are sustained, adding that the state currently ranks among the lowest malaria-burden states in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Program Manager of the State Malaria Elimination Programme, Nurse Kizito Ndak, described the celebration as both a milestone and a strategic platform to evaluate progress and chart the way forward.
He credited the reduction in malaria prevalence to interventions by partners such as the Malaria Consortium and other global health initiatives, as well as increased public awareness driven by media campaigns and community outreach activities.
Ndak stressed the need for continued adherence to preventive practices, including maintaining clean environments, eliminating stagnant water, sleeping under treated nets, and seeking prompt medical testing and treatment.
In his keynote address, Dr. Elijah Otopka described malaria as one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases globally, noting that Africa accounts for about 95% of deaths, with Nigeria bearing a major burden. He said the campaign against malaria is not just a celebration but a call to urgent action.
Dr Otopka highlighted major progress in Plateau State, where malaria prevalence dropped from 18.8% in 2021 to 2.8% in 2025. He attributed this success to interventions such as insecticide-treated nets, seasonal malaria prevention, rapid testing, and improved treatment services.
He called for increased domestic funding, stronger health systems, and investment in research and innovation. He urged all stakeholders to work together, saying, “We have the tools, the knowledge, and the political will—now we must end malaria.”
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Malaria Consortium, Dr Mbwas Mashor reiterated that while progress has been made, sustained commitment is necessary to prevent a resurgence of the disease. He noted that over one million children in Plateau have benefited annually from preventive malaria treatments under the SMC programme.
He called on government, policymakers, communities, and partners to strengthen investments and adopt data-driven strategies to accelerate malaria elimination.
Similarly, a representative of the World Health Organisation, Muoghah Abere Favour, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Plateau State and Nigeria in combating malaria. She emphasized prevention through the use of treated nets, timely access to treatment, and improved environmental hygiene.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that while the gains recorded are significant, sustained collaboration and public participation remain critical to achieving a malaria-free Plateau State and Nigeria.
The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has announced plans to unveil a Unified Bloggers Online Platform during the 2026 World Social Media Day Celebration scheduled to hold in Jos, Plateau State.
The unveiling, which is expected to be one of the major highlights of the event, is aimed at fostering collaboration, strengthening professional networking, and promoting a more coordinated digital media community across the state.
The World Social Media Day Celebration is slated for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Usiju World Event Center, near the Plateau State Secretariat, Jos, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the organizers said the platform is designed to bring together bloggers, content creators, digital publishers, and online media practitioners under a common structure that encourages information sharing, capacity development, and collective growth within the digital media space.
The event, themed “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” will bring together bloggers, social media influencers, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, students, digital innovators, and members of the public to explore the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse and empowering young people.
According to PLABOMA, participants will engage in discussions on emerging trends in digital media, content creation, online engagement, and the opportunities available within the digital economy. The celebration is also expected to provide a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration among stakeholders in the media and technology sectors.
The association noted that the launch of the Unified Bloggers Online Platform reflects its commitment to strengthening the voice of online media practitioners in Plateau State while creating opportunities for innovation, mentorship, and professional development.
PLABOMA further encouraged bloggers, content creators, social media influencers, students, entrepreneurs, and other interested members of the public to participate in the event and contribute to conversations on the future of digital communication and youth engagement.
Registration for the event is free and can be completed through the online registration form.
The organizers described the celebration as more than a commemoration of social media, noting that it will serve as a platform for inspiration, collaboration, innovation, and impact among digital media stakeholders in Plateau State and beyond.
For inquiries and partnership opportunities, interested individuals and organizations can contact the organizers via email at plateaubloggers@gmail.com or through the designated telephone lines.
The event is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants from across the digital media ecosystem as PLABOMA seeks to promote responsible online engagement and harness the transformative power of social media for development.
Events
MACDI Validates FoRB Research, Rallies Stakeholders to Strengthen Religious Freedom in Plateau
The Midpoint Advocacy and Community Development Initiative (MACDI) has convened a Research Validation and Stakeholders Engagement Forum aimed at advancing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Plateau State, bringing together government officials, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and community representatives to promote religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The forum, themed “Advancing Freedom of Religion or Belief in Plateau State,” served as a platform to review findings from a six-month study conducted in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas while identifying practical strategies for strengthening the protection of fundamental rights and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Faith and Community Transformation at Midpoint Nigeria, Rev. Joshua Sati, explained that the research assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
According to him, the study was designed to generate reliable data that would guide future interventions and ensure that programmes addressing religious freedom reflect the realities experienced by communities.
Sati noted that the validation forum was organized to review the findings, identify policy gaps, and gather stakeholders’ recommendations on promoting religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
“A lot of them had no idea. They don’t even know who to go to or where to go to when they feel their rights have been violated,” he said, highlighting the challenges faced by victims of rights violations at the grassroots.
He emphasized the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms and empower community and religious leaders, observing that many residents prefer reporting concerns to trusted local leaders rather than formal institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, former Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA), Dr. Joseph Lengmang, underscored the close relationship between Freedom of Religion or Belief, peace, security, and sustainable development.
He stressed that religious freedom must be anchored on the protection of human dignity and the welfare of people affected by conflict, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
“What is happening is a reminder that more work needs to be done on the Plateau, despite the investments that have been made in peacebuilding,” Lengmang said.
He added that recent security challenges in parts of Plateau State demonstrate the need for sustained commitment and collaboration in peacebuilding efforts, while commending Midpoint Nigeria for undertaking evidence-based research that could inform policy and future interventions.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Civitas Auxillium Foundation, Mrs. Elizabeth Duile, described Nigeria’s religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity as a potential source of strength rather than division.
She called for greater understanding and mutual respect among citizens, stressing that protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief is not only a human rights obligation but also essential for peacebuilding and national development.
Presenting the findings of the six-month research, Midpoint Nigeria’s Programme and Project Director, Ruth Ki, disclosed that the study engaged approximately 328 respondents across selected wards in Jos North and Barkin Ladi LGAs through surveys and interviews.
She explained that the research reflected diverse religious and ethnic communities and focused on lived experiences of Freedom of Religion or Belief, particularly awareness levels, public attitudes, and the reporting of violations.
According to her, the findings will support evidence-based interventions and strengthen ongoing peacebuilding initiatives across Plateau State.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Imam of Plateau Central Mosque, Sheikh Ghazali Adam, advocated respect, peace, and the protection of human dignity regardless of religious affiliation, noting that freedom from oppression is essential for building an inclusive society.
Representing the Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Khadija Sa’id described the forum as timely and significant for enhancing peacebuilding efforts, adding that it provides an important platform for collaboration, dialogue, and practical action toward strengthening social cohesion.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Gang, represented by Mr. Sabastine John, Director of Quality Assurance, highlighted the critical role of schools in teaching tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
She commended Midpoint Nigeria for organizing the engagement and urged stakeholders to translate the research findings into concrete actions that promote unity.
Similarly, the Plateau State Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Philemon Daffi, represented by Mr. Bashir Haruna, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Justice, reaffirmed that Freedom of Religion or Belief is guaranteed under Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protects freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and freedom from discrimination.
He noted that effective enforcement of these constitutional rights remains vital for sustaining peace, security, and development, describing the forum as a timely opportunity for meaningful dialogue.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Hauwa Kassim, a member of the Board of Trustees of Midpoint Nigeria, expressed appreciation to participants for their active contributions and acknowledged the support of government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, and media practitioners in ensuring the success of the research validation forum.
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