KANEMPRESS BULLETIN 119 MONDAY’S WEEKLY Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Subnational Development in Nigeria Amidst Misinformation and Disinformation

…………….Navigating Digital Challenges: Social Media’s Potential for Nigeria’s Subnational Growth

…………..Reconnecting The Dots of Kanem-Borno Cultural Heritage

By Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Publisher
Kanempress News
29th July 2024

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for communication and development, significantly impacting Nigeria at the subnational level. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are essential for fostering public engagement and driving development initiatives. For instance, in Anambra State, the government uses social media to crowdsource ideas and gather feedback, leading to more inclusive governance. However, this positive influence is countered by the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which can exacerbate volatile situations, as seen with the recent protests over the removal of the oil subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Despite these challenges, the potential of social media to facilitate subnational development in Nigeria remains immense. Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking among citizens is crucial for harnessing this potential responsibly. Collaboration between governments and civil society organizations is essential to equip people with the skills to discern credible information from falsehood, such as the role of social media in the #EndSARS protests, highlight its ability to mobilize support and coordinate efforts for broader governance reforms.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, also said “Social media is a vital tool for governance in today’s world. It allows us to connect directly with our citizens, understand their needs. Transparency and accountability are key, and platforms like Twitter enable us to uphold these values.” (via Twitter) This quote highlights the importance of social media in governance and its role in fostering transparency and accountability.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the digital landscape, the role of social media in subnational development will only grow. By fostering a culture of responsible use and digital literacy, the country can leverage social media to drive sustainable development and improve the lives of its citizens. The challenge for leaders is to rise to the occasion and utilize this powerful tool for the greater good.

The Promise of Social Media for Subnational Development

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp have transformed communication, making it instantaneous and far-reaching. For subnational entities—such as states, provinces, and municipalities—these platforms offer several benefits:

Community Engagement and Participation Social media facilitates direct interaction between local governments and their constituents. Citizens can voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and participate in decision-making processes. This heightened engagement can lead to more responsive governance and community-driven development initiatives.

Information Dissemination Local authorities can use social media to quickly disseminate information about public services, health campaigns, educational opportunities, and emergency responses. This ensures that critical information reaches even the most remote and underserved communities.

Economic Development Social media platforms provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with opportunities to market their products and services, connect with customers, and expand their reach beyond local borders. This can stimulate local economies and create job opportunities.

Cultural Preservation and Promotion Communities can leverage social media to preserve and promote their unique cultural heritage. Sharing local traditions, festivals, and histories fosters a sense of identity and pride, attracting tourism and fostering intercultural dialogue.

The Threat of Misinformation and Disinformation

Despite its benefits, social media is also a breeding ground for misinformation (false information spread without malicious intent) and disinformation (deliberately false or misleading information). These can have detrimental effects on subnational development:

Erosion of Trust Misinformation and disinformation can erode public trust in local authorities and institutions. False information about public health measures, for example, can lead to non-compliance, undermining efforts to control disease outbreaks.

Social Polarization The spread of false narratives can exacerbate social divisions, fueling conflicts and undermining social cohesion. This can hinder community development and disrupt efforts to create inclusive societies.

Economic Impact Disinformation campaigns targeting local businesses or economic projects can deter investment, harm reputations, and disrupt economic activities.

Public Safety During emergencies, misinformation can lead to panic, inappropriate responses, and even loss of life. Accurate and timely information is critical for effective emergency management.

Strategies for Harnessing Social Media Effectively

To maximize the benefits of social media for subnational development while mitigating its risks, the following strategies are essential:

Media Literacy Education Educating the public about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, and how to critically evaluate information sources, is crucial. Schools, community organizations, and local governments should promote media literacy programs.

Building Trustworthy Channels Local authorities and organizations should establish and promote official social media channels as trusted sources of information. Consistent and transparent communication can help build and maintain public trust.

Fact-Checking and Counter-Narratives Implementing robust fact-checking mechanisms and promptly addressing false information can limit the spread of misinformation. Collaborating with independent fact-checking organizations can enhance credibility.

Community Engagement and Monitoring Engaging with communities to understand their concerns and address misinformation at the grassroots level is vital. Monitoring social media trends can help identify and counter false narratives early.

Leveraging Technology Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be used to detect and flag misinformation. Social media platforms can also play a role by enhancing their algorithms to prioritize accurate information.

Case Studies: Success Stories from Around the World

Kerala, India During the 2018 floods, the state government effectively used social media to coordinate rescue operations, disseminate information, and counter false rumors. The proactive use of social media saved lives and demonstrated the power of digital platforms in crisis management.

Rwanda The Rwandan government has harnessed social media to promote national unity and development. By actively engaging citizens online, the government has fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility.

Estonia Known for its advanced digital society, Estonia uses social media as part of its e-governance framework. The country’s robust digital infrastructure and emphasis on cybersecurity have enabled effective public service delivery and civic engagement.

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships

Leveraging Expertise and Resources
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can play a crucial role in enhancing the use of social media for subnational development. By collaborating with private sector companies, local governments can leverage technical expertise, innovative solutions, and financial resources to create more effective and impactful social media initiatives.

Case Study: Digital India
The Digital India campaign is an excellent example of PPPs driving subnational development. Through partnerships with tech companies, the Indian government has been able to expand internet access, promote digital literacy, and use social media to connect citizens with government services.

Importance of Digital Infrastructure

Building a Strong Foundation
A robust digital infrastructure is essential for maximizing the benefits of social media. This includes reliable internet access, affordable data plans, and widespread availability of smartphones and other devices. Investments in digital infrastructure can ensure that all communities, including rural and underserved areas, can participate in and benefit from social media-driven initiatives.

Case Study: Estonia’s Digital Infrastructure
Estonia’s success in using social media for governance and development is underpinned by its advanced digital infrastructure. The country’s focus on digital literacy, cybersecurity, and widespread internet access has enabled effective public service delivery and civic engagement.

Ethical Considerations in Social Media Use

Privacy and Data Protection
With the increasing use of social media, concerns about privacy and data protection are paramount. Local governments and organizations must ensure that personal data collected through social media platforms is handled responsibly and in compliance with data protection laws.

Responsible Communication
Ethical communication practices are essential to maintain public trust. This includes transparency, honesty, and accountability in all social media interactions. Governments and organizations should avoid manipulative tactics and ensure that their communications are based on accurate and reliable information.

Successful Social Media Campaigns

Highlighting Effective Campaigns
Showcasing successful social media campaigns can provide valuable insights and inspiration for subnational entities looking to harness the power of social media. These campaigns can serve as models for best practices in community engagement, information dissemination, and countering misinformation.

Case Study: New Zealand’s COVID-19 Response
New Zealand’s government effectively used social media during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide clear, consistent, and accurate information. The #UniteAgainstCOVID19 campaign successfully engaged citizens, promoted public health measures, and countered misinformation, contributing to the country’s effective response to the crisis.

The Future of Social Media in Subnational Development

Embracing Innovation
As technology continues to evolve, new social media platforms and tools will emerge, offering even more opportunities for subnational development. Embracing innovation and staying abreast of technological advancements will be crucial for local governments and organizations.

Building Resilience
Building resilience against misinformation and disinformation will remain a critical challenge. Ongoing efforts to promote media literacy, enhance fact-checking mechanisms, and strengthen digital infrastructure will be essential to safeguard the positive impact of social media on subnational development.

By incorporating these additional aspects, the article can provide a well-rounded and thorough examination of how social media can be effectively utilized for subnational development amidst the challenges of misinformation and disinformation.

Kanempress, and its partners in the last 3 years trained over 1000 women, youths and community leaders within the Lakechad Region of Borno and Yobe States. On the critical areas of Cultural preservation/Heritage, historical sites and monuments. Others are Educational empowerment, Artificial Intelligence, WASH, Climate Change, Media/Digital literacy, mindset initiative, leadership skills, gender mainstreaming and General societal impactful value system. For contact kanempress1@gmail.com phone number 0806 169 2535