Use Social Media to create positive impact – Gov. Otu Charges youth
The Governor of Cross River state, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has urged the youth to always use social media to create a positive impact that would benefit them, the state, and the society at large.
Governor Otu reeled out the call on Monday when the National Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River State Council paid him a courtesy call in his office to present him with the Grand Patron of Youths Award.
Governor Otu emphasized the importance of responsible use of social media, stating that it has the potential to shape the narrative about Cross River State positively.
He acknowledged that social media is a powerful tool for information dissemination, but also highlighted the negative aspects such as misinformation, rumor-mongering, and the spread of fake news by young users.
The governor’s charge to the youths comes at a time when social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. With the advent of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, information can be shared instantly and reach a wide audience within seconds. This has both positive and negative implications.
On one hand, social media has been instrumental in raising awareness about various social issues, mobilizing support for causes, and giving a voice to marginalized groups. It has also provided a platform for young people to express their opinions, share their talents, and connect with like-minded individuals.
However, the misuse of social media has become a growing concern. The spread of fake news, rumors, and misinformation has the potential to cause harm, create panic, and damage reputations.
Young users, in particular, are susceptible to falling prey to these negative aspects of social media due to their limited experience and vulnerability.
Governor Otu’s charge to the youths is a timely reminder of the responsibility that comes with using social media. He urged them to be cautious about the information they share, to verify facts before posting, and to refrain from spreading rumors or engaging in cyber.
“The usage of social media in information dissemination helps people stay connected and share ideas, thoughts, and opinions with others in a safe and secure environment. Unfortunately, misinformation, disinformation, and fake news are common challenges confronting us through the platform. Social media is filled with a large amount of misinformation, which often misleads the public to make wrong decisions, stimulates negative public emotions, and poses serious threats to public safety and social order.
“The youth, a primary arm of the society is the driving force on social media, and we have witnessed how misinformation from this sector has caused various problems to the society.
“As a government, we are concerned about reshaping the usage of this platform for the benefit of the f government and to foster productive development. I charge you to use social media to promote useful information aimed at developing society and supporting the government.
“The youths represent the greatest segment of government. If you don’t build and mentor the youths, there is no future. As a government, we cannot rise without your maximum cooperation. We will support the youths in all sectors and frontiers. We are starting by training over 2, 000 youths in ICT. We will continue to work with the youths to develop the state,” Gov. Otu stressed.
In his message, Comrade Dan Obo, the chairman of the state’s youth council chapter, expressed his admiration for Governor Otu’s remarkable development efforts during the governor’s Hundred Days in office particularly his commitment to empowering the youth. Obo commended the governor for providing numerous opportunities for young people to contribute to the administration and make a difference in their communities
Comrade Dan Obo highlighted the positive impact of this youth inclusion, stating that it has resulted in fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm within the administration. The governor’s decision to involve young people has not only empowered them but has also created a sense of hope for them.
“We are here to celebrate you, we are excited with the way the state is running and want to thank you for the engagements of youths in your cabinet. We are confident of the successes that await Cross River State in the coming days under your leadership,” Comrade Obo maintained.
