DG PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya, Champions Strategic Media Partnership for Environmental Transformation with Plateau Bloggers

In a strong show of commitment to environmental sustainability and digital engagement, the Director General of the Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), Mr. Samuel Dapiya has reaffirmed the agency’s vision to drive change through innovation, collaboration, and community involvement.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) to PEPSA headquarters on May 27, 2025, Mr. Dapiya expressed profound appreciation for the media’s role in advancing public awareness around environmental issues, particularly through digital platforms.

“The Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) is fully committed to comprehensive environmental protection across Plateau State” Mr. Dapiya stated. “Our responsibilities span a broad range of critical areas, including tree planting, erosion control, mining impact mitigation, water resource management, and overall environmental preservation. We are also deeply engaged in sustainable waste management.”

He explained that PEPSA’s mandate extends beyond basic environmental protection. The agency oversees daily waste management, both at household and institutional levels, and conducts ongoing public sanitation exercises as part of its core duties. These efforts, according to Dapiya, are not one-time campaigns but a sustained commitment to public health, behavioral change, and community development.

Highlighting PEPSA’s progressive approach, Mr. Dapiya shared a recent milestone—an entire sanitation exercise in January 2025 was mobilized solely through social media, without the use of radio or television. “We used only social media—and yet the public turnout was impressive. That’s the power of what you do” he told the PLABOMA delegation, acknowledging the profound reach and influence of digital media in shaping public behavior.

The PLABOMA team, led by Chairman Matthew Tegha, had visited PEPSA to explore avenues for partnership ahead of the 2025 World Social Media Day, scheduled for June 30. Mr. Tegha praised PEPSA’s impact and proposed a digital media retainership to support the agency’s environmental education, public mobilization, and outreach efforts.

“Our visit today is not only to express solidarity with your mission, but also to seek meaningful collaboration that will further strengthen your agency’s reach and impact in the digital space” Tegha said.

Mr. Dapiya welcomed the proposal and pledged to establish a working relationship with the association. “Even if we can’t make lump-sum payments upfront, we’ll work out a structure that provides value to both sides,” he assured. He commended PLABOMA for maintaining credibility and professionalism in the online space, stating:

“Anyone can be a blogger, but it takes years of consistency, sacrifice, and integrity to build a name that commands public trust.”

The Director General outlined several key initiatives currently underway at PEPSA, including Plans to expand PEPSA’s operations to all 17 local government areas in Plateau State, increased awareness campaigns discouraging open defacation etc.

These initiatives, he noted, align with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s vision of promoting environmental sustainability, improving public health, and positioning Plateau as a tourism-friendly destination.

In a strong endorsement of PLABOMA, Mr. Dapiya described the association as “a beacon of hope” and emphasized the strength of their collective voice.

“There is strength in your togetherness. I see your sacrifice and professionalism. You are part of Plateau, and we are glad to partner with you.”

The meeting ended with mutual commitments to collaborate, particularly around the 2025 World Social Media Day, and the promise of an evolving partnership between PEPSA and digital media professionals to promote a cleaner, greener Plateau.