By Ijeoma Nwankpa, Abuja.
His Royal Highness, Alhassan Yakmut, a former Director General,defunct National Sports Commission, has called for a proactive approach to the use of social media with traditional rulers playing prominent roles.
Speaking during a presentation titled “The Role of Traditional Councils in Promoting Responsible Utilization of Social Media,” he emphasized the need for a positive attitude towards these platforms.
Yakmut acknowledged the power of social media in disseminating information but expressed concern over issues such as misinformation, cyberbullying, hate speech, and privacy invasions.
He stated, “In today’s digital age, social media has become a vital tool for communication and community engagement,” while cautioning that these benefits come with significant challenges that can threaten social harmony if left unaddressed.
As a Traditional Ruler, Yakmut stressed the crucial role traditional councils play in shaping community values and behaviors.
He urged these councils, comprised of respected elders and leaders, to use their influence to promote responsible social media use, thereby fostering community development, cultural preservation, and social cohesion.
Despite the misuse of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Yakmut noted their importance in modern life, particularly in developing nations.
He pointed out that social media connects rural communities to vital information on health, education, and political engagement.
To address the challenges posed by social media, Yakmut advocated for traditional councils to champion digital literacy initiatives, especially in rural areas where access to education on social media risks and benefits is limited.
He called for collaboration among traditional councils, government agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to develop culturally relevant programmes that enhance responsible social media use in their communities.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
