The guest speaker, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, Former Director- General, National Human Rights Commission presented a paper entitled “Fostering a Sustainable Economy, Credible Elections and Security in Nigeria- What Role for the Online Publishers?”
While delivering his presentation he stated that“ we are in an age of influence without responsibility and the only exception is the corporate online publishers.
His paper dwelt on three main issues
1. Election violence
2. Hate speech/ fake speech
3. Election Rigging
He also noted that “The existence of GOCOP bears testimony to the profound change that the digital revolution has brought to the structure and scope of the media as both a market place and as anchor of free expression. There is inherent tension between publishing as an economic activity on the one hand and as the foundational political right in a democracy on the other”
Prof Ralph Akinfeleye, Chairman Centre of Excellence in Multimedia Tech, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Akoka, a discussant at the event praised and analysed the paper presented by Prof. Odinkalu while picking out the salient points stated that “ it has added to our knowledge in terms of understanding how to promote a sustainable democracy and support credible election through Online Publication.
Professor Leonard Shilgba, a Prof. of Mathematics, another discussant at the event also made very remarkable insights on the subject of the event and the presentation made by Prof. Odinkalu and called on the traditional as well as the online media to work in synergy and great harmony to ensure the continued existence of Nigeria. He noted that whatever it is that we refuse to do will manifest tomorrow, and stated that the media plays a huge role in our societies and in shaping the narratives of our country’s economy, politics and security.
Abraham Oshadami, Head Information Technology at the Nigerian Communications Commission, who represented the EVC/ CEO- NCC to deliver the good will message urged all the different sectors represented at the event to take home lessons learnt and implement them for the advancement of our dear country.
The event ended with an audience session, where questions and answers were asked, observations
and recommendations were also made.