Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, mni, has called on bloggers and digital media practitioners to project Plateau State positively and avoid sensational headlines that could incite conflict.
She made the appeal on Friday, May 9, during a courtesy visit by members of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) to the Ministry’s headquarters. The visit was attended by executive members of the Ministry and representatives of the association.
Chairman PLABOMA, Matthew Tegha, said the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration between the association and the Ministry in promoting credible information, digital engagement, and development-focused reportage in Plateau State. Attended by executive members of the Ministry and representatives of the association.
In his remarks, Mr. Tegha congratulated Hon. Ramnap on her appointment and expressed the association’s readiness to support the Ministry’s efforts in ensuring effective information dissemination across digital platforms.
He emphasized the role of online media in shaping public discourse, fighting misinformation, and amplifying the state’s development narratives. Tegha also highlighted the association’s reach, revealing that PLABOMA comprises over 30 active members managing reputable platforms with a combined reach of millions of readers.
“Just recently, one of our members published a post that garnered over five million views,” he noted. “We have maintained partnerships with government agencies, businesses, and event organizers because of our capacity to reach diverse audiences quickly and effectively.”
In response, Hon. Ramnap appreciated the association’s visit and acknowledged the critical role bloggers and online media play in promoting Plateau State’s image.
“As a writer and blogger myself, I consider myself part of this association,” she said. “I recognize your contributions in promoting the state’s narratives, and I look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”
She used the opportunity to highlight Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration’s core priorities: economic development, good governance, and security—driven by technology, stakeholder trust, and infrastructure. She noted ongoing efforts such as interfaith dialogue initiatives, revitalization of the Operation Rainbow security outfit, and the integration of technology to enhance safety and trust within communities.
She commended PLABOMA’s role in information dissemination and pledged the Ministry’s support for deeper collaboration with the group.
On ethical journalism, Ramnap urged bloggers to uphold professionalism and national interest. “As important information disseminators, there’s a need for fact-checking and protecting the image of Plateau. Provocative headlines should be avoided,” she said. “As partners in progress, we must always ask—how can we project and protect Plateau State and not escalate conflict?”
She emphasized the media’s influence on public perception, adding, “There’s no country without a dark side, but you don’t allow it to overshadow the good. Be ambassadors that will help realize Plateau’s potential.”
According to her, positive narratives can attract investment and improve livelihoods across sectors, from transport and tourism to manufacturing and job creation. “While security agents and policymakers work to curb insecurity, the media must not fuel it—but quench it and help build the image that develops Plateau.”
