The Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Hon. Cornelius Dongnaan Doeyok, has called for stronger collaboration between government and digital media practitioners to effectively project Plateau State as a leading tourism and cultural destination.
The commissioner made the call while receiving members of the Plateau State Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) on a courtesy visit to the ministry in Jos.
Hon. Doeyok identified inadequate storytelling and limited visibility of Plateau State’s vast tourism and cultural assets as one of the major challenges facing the sector, stressing that strategic media engagement is critical to attracting visitors, investors, and stimulating economic growth.
According to him, despite Plateau State’s long-standing reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” the state has not done enough to showcase its attractions, cultural heritage, festivals, and hospitality offerings to audiences within and outside Nigeria.
“One of the things I have identified in this ministry is that we have not been able to tell our story well. We have the climate, the culture, the cuisines, and the sites, but we have not amplified them enough for the world to see,” the commissioner said.
He noted that the increasing dominance of digital platforms has shifted public attention from traditional media to online news and social media, positioning bloggers and online publishers as critical stakeholders in tourism development.
“Most of the news people read today is on their phones. That is why the advantage of online media is bigger. We need you to help put Plateau in the faces of the world,” Doeyok added.
The commissioner further explained that effective media coverage would not only attract tourists but also draw investors to many undeveloped tourism sites across the state, describing tourism as a viable economic driver capable of creating jobs and boosting internally generated revenue.
He advocated for structured engagement with PLABOMA as an association rather than individual platforms, noting that institutional collaboration would reduce bureaucracy, ensure credibility, and enhance accountability.
“Tourism cannot grow on paper. We need the world to hear about what we are doing here. Media is central to that process, and we want you involved as stakeholders,” he stated.
Earlier, PLABOMA Chairman, Matthew Tegha, said the visit was to formally introduce the association to the ministry and express its readiness to collaborate in promoting Plateau State’s tourism, culture, and hospitality sectors.
Tegha noted that PLABOMA members operate across diverse digital platforms with audiences spanning local and international communities, placing the association in a strong position to project the state positively.
“Our members are spread across various online platforms with wide reach. This positions us to promote Plateau State effectively, both locally and globally,” he said.
He commended the commissioner for what he described as a visible revival of tourism and cultural activities in the state, noting that recent events have contributed to preserving cultural heritage while creating opportunities for youth participation and economic growth.
PLABOMA also highlighted its existing collaborations with government agencies and private sector organisations, including the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service and environmental agencies, as evidence of its capacity for structured and ethical partnership.
In his remarks, PLABOMA General Secretary, Ibrahim Kallamu, emphasized the responsibility of professional online media practitioners to counter misinformation and unverified narratives capable of damaging the state’s image.
“When false or misleading narratives go unchecked online, they discourage tourism and investment. Platforms like ours exist to provide verified, balanced, and professional reporting,” Kallamu said.
He praised the ministry’s recent tourism-driven initiatives, including cultural carnivals and festivals, noting that PLABOMA’s media engagement helped extend their reach beyond Plateau State.
Kallamu also disclosed that the association recently issued a statement condemning an unidentified “Plateau State Social Media Award,” which it described as lacking credibility and professionalism due to questionable categories and faceless organisers.
Speaking on behalf of the association’s Board of Trustees, Audu Alex observed increased social and economic activities across parts of Jos, describing the development as evidence of renewed momentum in the state’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“What we are seeing on the streets shows that something is working. With proper media documentation, these moments can change narratives and restore confidence in Plateau State,” he said.
The visit ended with mutual commitments to deepen collaboration, with Hon. Doeyok assuring PLABOMA of an open-door policy and increased media inclusion in the ministry’s 2026 tourism agenda.
“This is the beginning of a new relationship. This ministry should be one of the loudest voices projecting Plateau State to the world, and media partnership is key to achieving that,” the commissioner said.
