The Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, has emphasized the significance of positive social media use, specifically encouraging social media influencers to leverage Facebook platform to promote social cohesion and economic development in the State,
These remarks were made during the Kebbi State Maiden Facebook Connect 2023 held yesterday evening in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, with the theme: “Remodeling the Use of Social Media and Challenges of the 21st Century,” as reported by Aliyu Bandado Argungu, Special Adviser (New Media) to the Kebbi State Governor, on his Facebook page.
Kauran Gwandu applauded the initiative and encouraged the teeming young people that created the idea to use it for social development. “Our political campaigns are behind us,” the Governor said. “Now, the spotlight is on enhancing the state residents’ quality of life and driving overall growth to the north-western State.”
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, echoed the administration’s dedication to economic upliftment and enticing investments for the state.
Alhaji Kabiru Sani Giant, Chairman of the event and Special Adviser to Governor Idris on Power and Political Matters, graced the event with resounding words. He extolled Governor Idris’s vision and achievements, urging social media users to collaborate with the administration’s goals.
Giant also cautioned against the rampant social media issues of defamation and misinformation, advising Facebook users to strive for factuality.
Further, Alhaji Aliyu Bandado, Special Adviser on New Media, praised the governor’s efforts, noting that the Facebook Connect event intends to instruct social media users on positive engagement. It also aims to support youth in education, trade, and nation-building initiatives.
The gathering, which drew a range of attendees from across the state, also included academic contributions. Dr. Nafisa Zaki of Zaki Gems Foundation and Dr. Abdullahi Sani Mungadi from Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, advised against compromising online posts that could jeopardize individual reputations.
The event was graced by notable figures including Alhaji Sadiq Usman Muktar, the acting Grand Khadi, as well as various special advisers, government officials, and social media experts from the state. Throughout the evening, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and workshops dive deep into strategies for responsible and productive social media use. The emphasis is clear: Kebbi State is ready to embrace the digital age but wishes to do so in a manner that ensures social cohesion and economic progress.
Birnin-Kebbi is the capital city of Kebbi State in northwestern Nigeria. A hub of history, culture, and economic activity, Birnin-Kebbi is representative of the larger Kebbi region. As with many parts of Nigeria, Kebbi has experienced both the benefits and challenges brought by the rise of social media. In many African nations, including Nigeria, social media has become a powerful tool for business, community mobilization, and spreading awareness on various issues. However, it can also spread misinformation or be used divisively.
