The Plateau State Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has commended the Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, for her outstanding commitment to public enlightenment and responsible information dissemination across the state.
The commendation came on Tuesday when members of the association paid a courtesy visit to the NOA state office in Jos to appreciate Pam-Hworo for delivering the keynote address at the 2026 World Social Media Day celebration organized by PLABOMA.
Leading the delegation, the association’s General Secretary, Mr. Imbrahim Kallamu, said the visit was a show of gratitude for the Director’s willingness to honour the association’s invitation despite her busy schedule and for her impactful presentation during the event.
He described the keynote address as insightful and timely, noting that it reinforced the need for ethical journalism and responsible use of digital platforms.
Kallamu also applauded the National Orientation Agency for its consistent public engagement across Plateau State, particularly its grassroots sensitization campaigns and civic education programmes.
He recalled the agency’s active collaboration with media practitioners during the 2024 Plateau State local government elections, describing the partnership as instrumental in ensuring citizens received accurate and timely information.
According to him, both PLABOMA and the NOA share a common responsibility of educating the public, promoting credible information and countering the spread of fake news and misinformation.
Responding, Pam-Hworo expressed appreciation to the association for the recognition, describing the visit as thoughtful and encouraging.
She noted that the evolution of digital media has transformed information dissemination, making it easier to reach audiences instantly, but warned that the speed of online publishing must never come at the expense of accuracy.
The NOA Director urged bloggers, online publishers and other digital content creators to verify information before publication and resist the temptation to sensationalize stories simply to attract traffic or engagement.
She stressed that while social media has become an indispensable communication tool, it also carries the responsibility of protecting the public from misinformation, disinformation and content capable of creating unnecessary panic or social tension.
Pam-Hworo cited the recent circulation of false information regarding the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise as an example of how unverified reports can mislead the public, noting that the claim was later confirmed to be false after verification with the relevant authorities.
She further cautioned practitioners against publishing stories capable of fueling division or undermining national unity.
“As professionals, your responsibility goes beyond breaking news. Ensure that every story is factual, balanced and verified. The information you share should build society rather than divide it,” she said.
The State Director emphasized that responsible journalism remains critical to national development, urging media practitioners to continue partnering with government institutions in promoting civic responsibility, peace and public awareness.
She assured the association of the agency’s continued support and openness to collaboration, adding that the National Orientation Agency would continue to work with both traditional and online media to promote credible information and strengthen public trust.
Pam-Hworo also commended PLABOMA for finding it necessary to return and appreciate her after the World Social Media Day event, describing the gesture as rare and worthy of emulation.
“I don’t know if you do this every time someone delivers a keynote address at your programme, but coming back to appreciate someone after such an event is truly commendable and encouraging,” she said.
The visit concluded with both the National Orientation Agency and PLABOMA reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration in the fight against fake news and promoting responsible journalism in Plateau State.