Journalists and media professionals from across Plateau State have concluded a three-day intensive Media for Peace workshop organized under the Peacecore Project implemented by GIZ Nigeria at Crispan Suites and Hotel, Jos.
The workshop, which marked the Second Cohort of the Media for Peace training, focused on conflict-sensitive reporting, communication development and peacebuilding, artificial intelligence, and the use of fact-checking tools in journalism practice.
Speaking during the training, Susan Gopuk of GIZ Nigeria highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and livelihoods support in Nigeria. She explained that GIZ, a German agency for international cooperation funded mainly by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, operates in over 120 countries and has maintained a presence in Nigeria for 51 years with more than 30 projects nationwide.
According to her, the Peacecore Project currently operates in Kaduna, Plateau, and Taraba states in collaboration with governments, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and international partners. She noted that while the project’s first phase focused on strengthening peacebuilding and conflict resolution between farmers and herders, the second phase now emphasizes conflict transformation and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable groups including women, youth, children, internally displaced persons, farmers, herders, and persons living with disabilities.
Susan stressed that gender equality remains central to the project, with deliberate efforts aimed at improving women’s access to rights, representation, and resources. She also highlighted interventions in dialogue, mental health support, youth engagement, climate-smart livelihoods, and infrastructure development.
She further emphasized the role of the media in promoting peace and countering hate speech, misinformation, and divisive narratives, especially in fragile communities like Plateau State.
One of the resource persons, Lady Irene David-Irene, delivered a presentation on Communication Development and Peace Building, where she underscored the influence journalists and media professionals wield in shaping public perception and social cohesion.
She warned that every action or inaction by journalists carries consequences, particularly in conflict-prone societies where reports can either promote peace or escalate tensions. She identified misinformation, sensationalism, hate speech, and biased reporting as key issues threatening peace and stability.
Lady Irene urged participants to embrace ethical, balanced, and conflict-sensitive journalism capable of fostering dialogue, unity, and mutual understanding within communities.
Thaddeus Yilmen said the sessions refreshed journalists on the ethics, responsibilities, and expectations of the profession, particularly the “do’s and don’ts” of responsible reporting. He called for more regular trainings to enable more media practitioners to benefit and contribute to peace-focused journalism.
Similarly, Tongnaan Bawa appreciated the organizers and facilitators for what she described as a valuable and enlightening experience. She assured that participants would apply the knowledge gained and continue promoting responsible journalism and peaceful narratives in their respective platforms.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by GIZ through the Peacecore Project to strengthen peace-focused communication, counter misinformation, and build the capacity of journalists and young people as advocates for peaceful coexistence and conflict prevention in Nigeria.
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.
Lingzhi Global, with the slogan “For Africa, By Africa,” has launched a coffee awareness campaign in Jos, Plateau State, aimed at promoting coffee consumption while highlighting the economic, agricultural and health opportunities the coffee industry offers to individuals and the nation.
The event brought together captains of industry, political leaders, celebrities, entrepreneurs and members of the public for a celebration of coffee and its growing potential as a driver of economic development.
Speaking at the event, the organisers said the campaign goes beyond promoting Lingzhi Global’s coffee products. It seeks to educate Nigerians on the importance of coffee as one of the world’s most consumed beverages and how a thriving coffee industry can create jobs, improve livelihoods and strengthen local economies.
According to the organisers, increased coffee consumption will stimulate demand, encourage more people to invest in coffee farming and processing, and ultimately build a sustainable coffee value chain across Nigeria.
The campaign also encouraged participants to explore opportunities within the coffee industry, including coffee cultivation, roasting, processing, packaging, distribution and retail, positioning coffee as a viable source of entrepreneurship and employment.
As part of the exhibition, Lingzhi Global showcased a wide range of its products, including:
Lingzhi Green Tea
Lingzhi Black Coffee
Lingzhi Premium Café Au Lait
Lingzhi Premium Ginseng LG Boost
Lingzhi Chocolate
Lingzhi Coffee Beans
Lingzhi Artisan Roastery
Lingzhi Espresso
The event was organised by the Chief Executive Officer of Lingzhi Global, Blessing Nenman, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting coffee culture across Africa under its vision of “For Africa, By Africa.”
One of the highlights of the festival was the free coffee tasting session, where guests sampled different coffee varieties and experienced the unique flavours and benefits of Lingzhi Global’s products.
Organisers expressed optimism that the awareness campaign would inspire more Nigerians to embrace coffee—not only as a healthy beverage but also as a catalyst for economic empowerment, agricultural development and sustainable wealth creation.