… Ogun Deputy Gov., Ex-UK Envoy Harp On Competency On Social Media Usage
Daud Olatunji
The Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board and Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has made a strong recommendation for ruthless sanctions against social media abusers.
Prof. Oloyede stated this in Abeokuta on Wednesday during a one-day seminar on “the effective use of Social Media Management for effective dawah outreach,” organized by the League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State Chapter.
The seminar, attended by prominent figures including the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, and former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmot Badru, focused on effective social media management.
Prof. Oloyede emphasized the need for sanctions without discrimination based on position or faith.
He urged law enforcement agencies to take appropriate measures against those who abuse social media, stating, “the lack of capitalisation is the problem.”
Prof. Oloyede further stressed that existing laws are sufficient, and anyone, irrespective of faith or position, should be held accountable for social media abuses.
He particularly called for ruthless actions against those using social media to defame individuals and institutions.
Prof. Oloyede also urged religious leaders to refrain from antagonizing each other on social media and to avoid defaming individuals and institutions.
He said, “It is for law enforcement agencies to take appropriate measures against those who abuse social media.
“I do not think we need any new law because we have sufficient laws to deal with those who abuse social media.
“ The laws are there, and I believe the lack of practicalisation is the problem. Anybody, irrespective of faith or position, who abuses social media should be brought to book.
“There should be no scapegoating or demigods in dealing with social media abusers. There should be no mercy. They should deal ruthlessly with those who use social media to defame individuals and institutions.”
Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State deputy governor, who was a distinguished guest of honour at the event, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, in her remarks, urged the Dawah to only use competent people to represent them on social media.
She highlighted the importance of understanding the purpose of social media use, stating, “Social media is about you saying what people want to hear.”
She encouraged everyone, regardless of age, to have easy access to social media and cautioned against relying solely on seniority.
The Deputy Governor said, “Social media is about saying what people want to hear. You ought to have good-quality content. Understand why you are buying and spending your data on it.
“Don’t rely solely on seniority. If anyone can talk and people will listen, let us listen to them or use them for your brand. I appreciate the league that came up with this idea and the program.
“My advice for everyone is to be involved in social media in one way or another. After Facebook, we have TikTok and Instagram for communication. Nowadays, students can go to any length in social media.
“It is different from the olden days when passing information required gathering people; nowadays, you can go to the internet to search for anything.”
Former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmot Makanjuola Badru, called for more female inclusion in future seminars and expressed interest in organizing similar seminars for women’s empowerment.
The Chairman of the occasion, former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK and Baba Adeen of Yorubaland Edo and Delta states, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, commended the initiative, advising Nigerians to make better use of social media and tap into its opportunities.
He advised the youths to embrace the good sides of social media.
He also encouraged Islamic leaders to see the opportunities in the new technology.
Earlier, the Secretary-General, Shaykh Tajudeen Mustapha Adewunmi, in his welcome address, said the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State organized a one-day seminar in a significant effort to address the escalating misuse of social media in spreading Islamic teachings.
He welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the seminar in combating the negative impact of social media on dawah efforts.
He emphasized the need for religious leaders to utilize social media responsibly, citing instances of bullying, spreading un-Islamic content, and creating a negative atmosphere.
Drawing attention to the current challenges facing Nigeria, the Secretary-General called for collective efforts in addressing hunger, insecurity, and societal vices.
Quoting verses from the Quran, he emphasized the importance of faith in Allah and righteous behavior in securing blessings for the nation.
He stated that the guest speaker, Prof. Is’haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, the Registrar of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), was invited to educate Muslim leaders and preachers on the beneficial use of social media, especially as Ramadan approaches.
The Cleric said the seminar also featured a technical session facilitated by legal practitioner Barr. Kamaldeen Kolade Otukoya and Social Media expert Mr. Tajudeen Adisa Nafiu.
He added that certificates would be issued to participants at the conclusion of the seminar.
Expressing gratitude to guests, facilitators, and participants, the Secretary-General acknowledged the efforts of the Ogun State Rabittah in contributing to societal betterment.
The League of Imams and Alfas urged support from titled chiefs and others for future initiatives addressing concerns in the state.
The Secretary-General remembered the late Dr. Kazeem Rufai and appreciated the efforts of Rabbita Admin members in organizing various programmes.
The League of Imam and Alfas expressed hopes for the success of their initiatives and called for Allah’s reward for all involved.
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