The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, marked this year’s World Social Media Day with a dynamic and impactful event in Jos, bringing together digital content creators, influencers, government officials, media professionals, and peacebuilders under the powerful theme: “Digital Voices: Promoting Peace and Innovation.”
Held at FOX Hotels on Monday 30th June, the event emphasized the critical role of digital media in shaping public discourse, fostering innovation, promoting peace, and encouraging responsible online engagement, particularly in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Hon. Commissioner for Information, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Nanman Jonas applauded PLABOMA for its proactive leadership in the digital space. He acknowledged the growing influence of social media and warned against its misuse.
“Social media has the power to connect or divide. It must be used to build bridges, not burn them,” Jonas said, advocating for collaboration between government, tech platforms, and civil society to promote digital inclusion, truth, and creativity, especially among youth.
In his opening remarks, PLABOMA Chairman, Matthew Tegha, called on digital actors to see themselves as agents of positive change. “Social media should be a bridge, not a barrier, between communities and institutions,” he said, urging influencers and bloggers to challenge misinformation, promote unity, and use their platforms for civic education and peacebuilding.
Tegha expressed gratitude to the Plateau State Government for its continued support and called for increased investment in youth-focused digital literacy, ethical media practices, and content creator empowerment. “We must nurture the next generation of responsible digital storytellers,” he added.
Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, delivered a compelling goodwill message that focused on the power of perception in digital communication. “Every post has the power to either build or break,” she warned, encouraging online users to adopt values of fact-checking, tolerance, and cultural sensitivity in their content creation.
On behalf of Plateau State University Vice Chancellor Prof. Shedrack Best, Dewan Danjuma Andrew provided a historical perspective on Nigeria’s social fabric and the impact of digital platforms. He noted that while digital media can entrench stereotypes, it also offers a chance to rewrite narratives and foster greater understanding. “Content creators are now the new gatekeepers,” he said. “With that comes great responsibility.”
Godwin Okoko, Head of Program Implementation at Search for Common Ground Nigeria, called on participants to become “digital peacebuilders,” leveraging their platforms to promote healing, connection, and accurate storytelling. “Let your voice online be a voice of hope,” he urged.
In a thought-provoking paper titled “The Power of Digital Media and Responsible Online/Citizen Journalism,” media expert Da Yakubu Taddy warned of the dangers of fake news and misinformation. Citing real-life viral stories, he emphasized the importance of content verification and reminded participants that the Cybercrime Act carries legal consequences for spreading false information. “Being digital comes with responsibility,” he said.
The event concluded with interactive discussions, awards presentations, and a renewed call for ethical content creation. Attendees left energized, with a collective sense of purpose to use their digital voices more intentionally—for truth, peace, innovation, and societal growth.
World Social Media Day 2025 in Jos was more than a celebration—it was a rallying cry for digital responsibility and unity in a rapidly evolving information landscape.
