By Praise Chinecherem
Connected Development (CODE) , a Non-Governmental Organization, has called on students of higher institutions in the country to explore the positive sides of social media for active civic engagement targeted at improving the quality of governance in the country.
CODE’s State Support Officer, Ujunwa Ananwude, made the call during a debate competition organized under the Open Parly Nigeria project, one of CODE’s many activities supported by Magamba Network for students of Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu to gauge their understanding on how social media influence youth participation in civic engagement.
The State Support Officer said the project focuses on ensuring that representative democracy serves the greater good of the people in Nigeria. “Legislature is the real definition of democracy and our people must derive maximum benefits from their representative. We must get our lawmakers accountable for their stewardship whether at the local, state and national levels”.
On the debate, Ananwude said, “It is meant to gauge the opinion of students and their knowledge about how social media influence the parliament whether it enhances it or inhibit it. Also to draw their attention towards governance for a better future. We feel that if they begin to appreciate good governance, they will not be able to go back on their involvement.
“Indeed, social media is a huge enhancement for civic engagement as it is now possible to mobilise people for or against any policy and programme of government. We saw what happened during the 2023 general election, how supporters of one of the presidential candidates, Peter Obi took advantage of social media to raise funds and mobilize themselves to support their candidate”.
Speaking on behalf of the institution, Mr Peter Udeachu from the Bursary Department, appreciated CODE for bringing the programme to their school, describing the topic of the debate as apt and timely. “On behalf of the Rector, the principal functionaries, management, staff and the students, I want to thank the Open Parly Nigeria, Anambra Chapter for this great event they hold here today.
“Some persons here have never found themselves taking part in this kind of debate before. I know you all will do better next time because you only a short while to prepare for this competition. Indeed, social media is a blessing to the society but if we approach it mindlessly, it can bring unpleasant results,” he warned.
Four participants took part in the debate proposing and opposing on the topic, “Social Media Enhances Civic Engagement Among the Youths”. Three best debaters went home with handsome cash reward and certificates, while the fourth participant also smiled home with a cash reward.
In an interview, winner of the debate, Rapuluchukwu Ngene, described the topic as very educative. “It is not just for us as students but for the society at large. I didn’t see it coming. I feel very happy that I came first. Thanks to the organisers. You guys are wonderful”.
For Maryjane Esika, the first runner-up, social media has done a lot of good things for humanity. “With the youths getting meaningfully engaged on social media, the society will get better. It is only when they exploit the social media for negative purposes that the side effects of it tend to consume all of us.
The President of the Students Union Government, Timothy Okoye who emerged as the second runner-up, remarked, “Many of us now make money online, through trading. Like me, I can stay in the comfort of my house and make cool money. This is made possible by communication technology and social media. I appreciate the organisers for bringing programme to our school here. It has taught us a great lesson”.
