Professionals in the media industry have been urged to co- regulate the social media and come up with policies that will check the upsurge in fake news, graphic violence and sexual exploitation among others.
The Regional Director for West Africa Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye stated this while speaking at the 4th Anniversary Lecture of Penpushing Media in Abeokuta.
Olajumoke Idowu completes the story.
Social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and Twitter have become very important tools in disseminating information and influencing people’s decisions especially as the 2023 election is approaching.
The guest speaker at the lecture, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye described social media as a catalyst for democracy which must be effectively controlled in the best interest of the citizenry.
Speaking on the theme, social media regulation: Insecurity and Election accountability in Nigeria, Dr Aniagolu-Okoye said government must be proactive with information on guidelines, monitoring and prosecution of those responsible for inciting violence online.
Also the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi who spoke virtually said the lecture became necessary as there had been an improvement in electoral process especially during the just concluded Osun governorship election and advised Nigerians to be vigilant, ensure sanctity of their votes and guard against vote buying during the 2023 elections.
Other Speakers, including Mr Lanre Arogundade, Police Representative, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi and the Founder, Women FM Radio, Mrs Toun Okewale emphasized the need for media outfits to verify their stories while every individual must be responsible for the monitoring of social media usage.
They called on political office holders, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and the government at all levels to ensure professionalism while discharging their duties and be accountable for their actions especially during the 2023 elections.
Earlier, the founder Penpushing Media, Mr Dimeji Adedeji had expressed joy at the success of the event, adding that the lecture became imperative to checkmate societal ills and insecurity threatening the peace of the country while providing probable solutions the challenges confronting the growth and development of Nigeria.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of post humous awards to professor Oye Ibidapo – Obe as well as the Integrity Award given to a Lagos taxi driver, Mr Mathew Okotie who returned the valuables forgotten in his taxi to the owner.
Olajumoke Idowu