DigiVation 2024: Nigeria should regulate social media, or it will regulate us ─Bayero Agabi

*Dr. Bayero Agabi, Convener of the DigiVation Future Summit, advocates the regulation of the social media space in Nigeria, for its inherent hazards despite positive impacts of such platforms on projecting the African continent’s narrative, empowering users, and creating jobs for thousands of people

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Dr. Bayero Agabi, Convener of the DigiVation Future Summit, has advocated the regulation of the social media in Nigeria.

Agabi, who stated this in his welcome address at the recent 2024 DigiVation Future Summit and Awards, with the theme: “Governance, Innovation, People and Future Economy”, held in Ikeja, Lagos State.

He noted the high possibility of the social media space regulating the lives of the citizens, should there be no moderation.

Dr. Agabi also drew attention to what he called ‘social media influence on Africa and whether it should be moderated or regulated.’

The convener of the summit further explained that we have all seen the progressive impacts and effects of social media becoming a platform for Africans to demystify its dark continent narrative, empowering thousands through its economies, creating jobs for many, and projecting several individuals, businesses and organisations to the world.

Despite its huge advantages, Dr Agabi pinpointed the hazards in closing our eyes to the ills of social media which has proven to be the best time-wasting platform, creating anti-social generation and negatively influencing Africa’s culture.

On this, he said, “I will state that it is time for Nigeria to moderate her social media space. If this is not done, give it a short time and the social media space will regulate our lives. From our food, values, culture and governance, social media will regulate us if we don’t manage it now.”

Dr. Agabi explained that the event also features Africa’s premier and most iconic Enterprise and digital award “Africa Digital” and “Enterprise Award”, which is for deserving individuals, organisations and initiatives driving Africa’s development both in the public and private sectors.

“DigiVation Global Network, the parent organisation, has organised events across Africa, the Middle East and also partnered major events in Europe and America.

“It also organises Nigerian Women Digital Conference which is a programme for women and girls,” he disclosed.