Anambra Govt Cautions Social Media Influencers Against Feeding Public with Negative Narratives

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State ICT Agency has urged media influencers to resist the temptation of feeding the social media space with negative narratives about the state.

Managing Director, Fred Agbata gave the advice on Wednesday at the one year anniversary celebration of the Wikimedia Anambra Network of Wikimedia User Group Nigeria, Wikimedia Foundation, WMF.

He argued that there were several positive stories about Anambra than the negative narratives being peddled by enemies of the state.

He congratulated the Wikimedia Anambra Network on her one year anniversary, underscoring its place in the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo-led administration’s efforts to make the state liveable and prosperous mega city.

He said, “Media practitioners must brace up to the challenge of projecting right stories about Anambra, especially through digital platforms such as the Wikipedia.

“If you don’t tell your story, no one will because no one knows your culture and your realities the way you do. For example, editors in Lagos or elsewhere, may not know exciting stories of Anambra communities,

“That’s why it’s important this kind of networks multiplies across all parts of the country. It’s also why Anambra ICT Agency decided to work with the Network to assist in changing the narratives.”

Earlier, Head, Wikimedia User Group, Anambra Network, Dr. Ngozi Osuchukwu revealed the Network had planned and executed over 22 projects in the state and beyond since its one year of existence.

“These projects cut across many areas including health, governance and politics, community information, open knowledge and lately, they ignited a partnership with the state government, through the Anambra State ICT Agency.

“The Anambra Network won the network with the most participants in July’s ‘Naija Office Hour’. From here, people have been selected to attend Wikimedia international conferences.

“Last month, one of us was sponsored to Singapore for a Wikimedia activity. In the months to come, one of us is going to Morocco for Wiki activity and another person is going to India also soon.

“So, there are a whole lot of activities going on. Today offers us opportunity to count our numerous successes,” she said.
While praising the brands and organizations that partnered with and sponsored the Network over the past year, particularly Anambra State ICT Agency’s support, Osuchukwu expressed hope for continued collaboration to promote digital literacy in the state.

A panel discussion, featuring various members of the Wikimedia Anambra Network, including Mrs. Goodness Abasili, Dr. Adaora Obuezie, Timothy Ezenwanne and Nwosu Chisom Vivian, provided further insights into Wikimedia, its benefits and qualifications for becoming Wikimedians.

The celebration included the cutting of an anniversary cake, cultural performances, and poetic renditions in both English and Igbo languages, as highlights of the event.