Sanwo-Olu Identifies Social Media as Tool for Growth, Societal Well-being

Ayodeji Ake

At the fifth edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH), the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,  stressed on the importance of social media.

Speaking at the event held in Lagos, with the theme ‘Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact’, the governor, represented by Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Dr. OreOluwa Finnih, highlighted state’s commitment to leveraging social media as a tool for growth and societal well-being.

Finnih    reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s vision of creating a digital ecosystem that promotes economic growth, cultural exchange, and societal well-being. The event spotlighted the transformative power of social media in shaping narratives, fostering collaboration, and addressing societal challenges. The event also emphasised on the urgent need for Nigeria to address challenges such as fake news, cyberbullying and online harassment.

Speaking on the topic ‘The Digital Detective: Solving Crimes in the Social Media Age,’  the Nigeria Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),  Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, showcased  how social media has revolutionised law enforcement.

“Social media is not just a platform for entertainment; it’s a valuable tool for law enforcement. By leveraging the power in the mass number of social media active users, we can solve more crimes and make our communities safer.”

He shared examples of cases solved through digital platforms and emphasised the need for digital-savvy officers to maximise this potential.

One of the panelists, Dotun Babatunde,  who spoke on  ‘The Impact of AI on Social Media’, explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in the social media landscape, emphasising its impact on the “attention economy”.

“We live in an attention economy, where human attention is a scarce commodity,” he said.

Babatunde explained how AI-driven algorithms prioritise engagement, often amplifying sensational content, but also creating opportunities for personalized and meaningful interactions.

He encouraged users and creators to approach AI with a balanced perspective, recognizing both its potential and pitfalls.

Another panelist, from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof. Tayo Popoola,  who spoke on ‘Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact’, provided a thought-provoking analysis of social media’s role in society.

“Social media is a double-edged sword: it empowers the voiceless but also creates spaces for misinformation and toxicity. The challenge lies in managing its influence responsibly.” Prof. Popoola said while underscoring the importance of digital literacy in enabling users to harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its negative impacts.

Speaking on ‘Navigating the Social Media Age: Clout, Influence, and the Ethics of the Attention Economy’, another panelist, Dr. Akin Olaniyan,

delivered a compelling critique of clout-chasing in the social media era.

“Give any moron a smartphone, and anything and everything becomes content. To such a fellow, clout-chasing is an end in itself, and the smartphone just makes it super-easy,” he said. 

While reflecting on the quality of content creation, Olaniyan added that “ he was tempted to believe that their choice of subjects reflects their intellect, with the more empty-headed being the most daring.”

He called for ethical standards in digital content creation and urged society to value substance over virility.

Notable contributors included: CEO of Penzaarville Africa, Oluremy Oguntamu; Founder/CEO of Lagos Life Influencer, Tomiwa Talabi; Author, PR Consultant, and Former Editor at The Punch, Dayo Oketola; and Actress, Filmmaker, and Influencer, Iyabo Ojo.

The event was hosted by celebrated media personality Frank Edoho.

The event featured workshops, live sessions, and networking opportunities, creating an interactive atmosphere for attendees.

Discussions covered a range of topics, from personal branding and content creation to the role of digital platforms in fostering community and enhancing security.

In the words of Bodex Florence Hungbo: “Social media is the new oil well, Let us go fetch it.”