The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has pledged to deepen its collaboration with the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) to drive attitudinal change and improve public engagement around environmental protection and sanitation.
Speaking during a meeting with PLABOMA members in Jos, the Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya, praised the credibility and professionalism of the association, describing bloggers as a critical force in shaping public behavior.
“Anybody can be a blogger, but to make something credible out of it takes consistency, hard work, and time,” he said. “Your ability to influence mindsets through your platforms is something we value highly.”
He noted that PEPSA had already experienced the power of online media firsthand during its January sanitation campaign, which was publicized exclusively through social media yet saw massive public turnout.
“You didn’t see jingles, you didn’t see banners, but the information spread like wildfire. That’s the power of your work,” the DG remarked.
He expressed willingness to formalize a partnership with PLABOMA, acknowledging receipt of the association’s proposal and promising to review and act on it constructively.
“We may not be able to meet the financial demands at once, but we can agree on a structure that works for both parties,” he said.
Dapiya also emphasized the alignment between PEPSA’s work and Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s vision of boosting tourism through environmental cleanliness. “Tourists won’t come to a dirty state. Keeping Plateau clean is part of the bigger picture of economic growth,” he stated.
He further invited PLABOMA to be part of upcoming activities, including an eight-day open defecation sensitization campaign, website launch, and app rollout.
PLABOMA Chairman, Mathew Tegha, had earlier presented the DG with a partnership proposal and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting public service institutions in responsible media coverage.
“Our visit today is not only to express solidarity with your mission but also to seek meaningful collaboration that will further strengthen your agency’s reach and impact in the digital space,” he said.
Tegha also praised the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean and sustainable Plateau. He proposed a digital media retainership to support content creation, amplify campaigns through extensive public engagement, and foster joint participation in this year’s Social Media Day seminar as potential areas for partnership
Also speaking, PLABOMA Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Audu Alex, emphasized the far-reaching impact of online publishing, noting that a single post by a reputable platform can circulate widely within minutes.
“When you leverage online platforms, your message gains not just reach, but credibility,” he said. “You didn’t announce your social media strategy to the world, yet we saw the results. That’s commendable.”
Alex assured the DG that PLABOMA was ready to amplify PEPSA’s messaging and would continue to jointly disseminate information as needed.
PLABOMA Public Relations Officer, Peter Akpah, underscored the uniqueness of PLABOMA as Nigeria’s first bloggers’ association and highlighted the role of bloggers in narrative control and public trust.
“People now look to us for credible news. Even influencers among us seek our validation before posting,” he said. “We have sanitized the blogging space in Plateau. We don’t just add anyone—our members are screened for professionalism.”
Akpah also lauded PEPSA’s COVID-19 awareness campaign and noted that some members had shared the agency’s content voluntarily. He encouraged the DG to always reach out when embarking on public enlightenment or reinforcement drives.
“When we met with the Commissioner of Information, she told us bloggers are the narrative changers. People tend to believe whatever we publish first,” he added.
In his remarks, PEPSA Director of Enforcement, Pam Barnabas Daliyo, stressed the urgent need to leverage social and online media to combat open defecation, noting that Plateau ranks second in the country for the practice.
PEPSA Director of Administration, Mr. Ezan, thanked PLABOMA for recognizing the agency’s work and expressed pride in the public’s support for the DG, whom many now call “Sariki Sapta” (King of Cleanliness). He urged the association to remain honest critics and partners, stating, “If there are issues, don’t hesitate to call us to order.”
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with both parties expressing mutual respect and shared commitment to promoting a cleaner, healthier Plateau State through strategic media engagement.