By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Dr. Gyang Bere, has described media convergence as a vital tool for communicating developmental activities and urged citizen journalists to embrace responsible reporting in the interest of nation-building.
Bere made the remarks during the unveiling of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) Unified Bloggers Website, the first-of-its-kind digital platform designed to connect more than 30 active bloggers, promote collaboration, and enhance the visibility of digital journalism in Plateau State.
The website was officially launched during PLABOMA’s 2026 World Social Media Day celebration held recently at the Usiju World Event Centre in Jos.
Dr. Bere noted that while smartphones and internet access have empowered citizens to contribute to journalism, the spread of false or unverified information undermines Plateau State’s image, discourages investment, and hampers economic growth.
Describing Plateau as “the belt that holds Nigeria together” and a national “watchtower,” he highlighted the state’s historic role in promoting national unity and political development.
He charged PLABOMA members and other citizen journalists to use social media platforms to project the state’s achievements, promote development, and attract investment, rather than publish sensational or misleading reports capable of damaging the state’s reputation.
According to him, technology should be deployed to showcase Plateau’s strengths in tourism, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and other sectors instead of amplifying negative narratives.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Bere said the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang has embarked on major infrastructure projects, including the transformation of streets across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis and the construction and rehabilitation of roads in all 17 local government areas of the state, with several projects already completed while others are ongoing.
On healthcare, he cited the upgrading of the Plateau Specialist Hospital’s laboratory and the activities of the Plateau Drug and Medical Commodities Agency, which is supplying certified drugs at affordable prices across the state.
He also highlighted achievements in the tourism sector, including the revitalisation of the Jos Wildlife Park through the construction of a new perimeter fence, the acquisition of additional animals, increased tourist patronage, and renewed investor interest in hospitality facilities such as Hill Station Hotel and Plateau Hotel.
In agriculture, Bere pointed to the establishment of the agro-processing zone in Heipang, plans to process and export beef, and the introduction of internationally certified potato varieties targeted at premium markets, including hotels in Abuja and beyond, as initiatives aimed at boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.
He said transport and logistics remain central to the government’s economic development strategy, noting ongoing efforts to revitalise the railway system and plans to connect agricultural production centres to Heipang through rail transport.
Bere further disclosed plans for a cargo terminal at Yakubu Gowon Airport to facilitate the export of agricultural produce to international markets.
He expressed optimism that Plateau State would soon become a major exporter of fresh vegetables to countries including the United Kingdom and the United States, while also noting the growing use of metro buses as part of the state’s evolving transport system.
Describing Plateau people as resilient, hospitable, and hardworking, Bere invited local and foreign investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the state, assuring them of adequate protection and support from the government.
He acknowledged that many of the administration’s projects are still at foundational stages but assured residents that greater results would become visible over the next year, stressing that the current achievements represent only the beginning of the state’s transformation.
Earlier, PLABOMA Chairman, Matthew Tegha, said the celebration reaffirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening the digital media landscape in Plateau State through collaboration, youth participation, and the effective use of technology for sustainable development.
He noted that the launch of the Unified Bloggers Website marked a major milestone in promoting cooperation among bloggers and positioning Plateau State as a leading centre for responsible, innovative, and development-oriented digital journalism.
Goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries, including PLABOMA Board of Trustees member Da Yakubu Taddy; the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, represented by the Agency’s Head of Strategic Communications, Kenneth Dakop; the Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Jim Wayas; the Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Panam Dapar; the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, represented by the Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Oteh; the Project Manager of Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Mrs. Kizito Ndak; the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo; and the Director-General of the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep.
