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Social Media Powerful Tool for Societal Growth – NIIA DG
The social media has been heavily criticised with some of its platforms banned in many countries, but Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, director-general, Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA), says it is a powerful tool for societal growth.
“The social media presents platforms for robust discussions on issues, views and ideas with opposing views flowing side by side. It is healthy to have debates with fierce disagreements.
“Ultimately, a cross fertilisation of these ideas, the sublime and ridiculous alike, will fashion out a path to greater togetherness, growth and progress,” Osaghae told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to prioritise national interest above other considerations while using the social media, and cautioned against the tendency to exaggerate perceived flaws to ridicule or divide the nation.
Osaghae regretted the influx of fake news, misinformation and negative perceptions into social media platforms, urging Nigerians to be more circumspect when handling issues bordering on insurgency, terrorism, ethnic relations and the “so-called national question debate”.
“It is good to have unbridled access to information, but a lot of it is exaggerated. Sometimes, you think the country is at war. We should always argue toward arriving at a middle ground.
“Freedom behoves on the user the responsibility to be ethical, reasonable and responsible. So, we must always pander to national interest and defend our country.
“It is important for Nigerians to realise that citizens of other countries read what we put into the internet. We must strive to be positive so that others can have positive impressions about us.
“Patriotism should always be the guiding spirit. It should always be ‘country first’; your mother is your mother, no matter how ugly.
“No matter how beautiful other mothers are, they cannot replace your mother. So, you must promote your mother and make her lovable instead of loving other people’s mothers.
“We shall help our country more if the social media is used as a tool for sober reflection. For the leaders, it can be used as a feedback mechanism with everyone defending and extending frontiers of national interests.
“No Nigerian should agree to be used as a surrogate for other countries’ national interests,” he said.
Osaghae also spoke on ongoing efforts to reposition the 61-year-old NIIA to achieve its mandate as the epicentre for constant interface between local and international affairs.
“We are trying to rebuild, reposition and reinvent the institute to surpass what had been achieved in the past.
“We have had our golden years but had to slow down owing to scarce resources, but part of leadership challenge is to diversify so as to broaden our resource base.
“We are building smart partnerships with the media, government, the business cycle, international development groups and institutions with similar mandates to broaden our horizon.
“Aside pooling in more resources, we shall be focused on research and knowledge sharing to sharpen our capacity to influence and shape developments,” he said.
He said the institute was also reinventing citizen diplomacy with a focus on making Nigerians feel more positive about themselves and their country.
“We want Nigerians to feel proud of their country because it has produced some of the best leaders in all sectors of human endeavour.
“Nigeria has produced the finest scholars, technocrats, administrators and diplomats in the likes of Emeka Anyaoku, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prince Ajibola and Prof. Adesina.
“The world has also recognised our literary prowess with great writers like Prof Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and others winning global honours.
“Nigeria is also famed to have led the struggle that conquered apartheid and effectively chaired the UN anti-apartheid committee to great success.
“In the John Biden administration in U.S., there are up to five Nigerians holding key positions. They got that far on merit. There is generally a vast potential waiting to be tapped in this country.
“There are Nigerians whose attitude is uncomplimentary, but that is just a distraction. We are a great people and should deploy our ethnic and religious diversities to maximum advantage,” he said.
He advised Nigerians to feel proud of their nationality and avoid being too critical of their nation as it was the only space they could call their own.
“Time has come for everyone to redirect the world to see our positive sides. If we do not project Nigeria positively to the world, it will be relegation unending,” he said. (NAN)
MTN South Africa, in partnership with Lynk Global, has successfully conducted Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call touted as a groundbreaking development.
This historic trial, conducted in Vryburg, North West province, marks a major step toward bridging connectivity gaps in underserved and rural regions across the continent.
The test involved making a voice call using a standard smartphone connected via a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional network infrastructure, providing a viable solution for remote areas with limited or no mobile coverage.
According to Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, this initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to extend network coverage to hard-to-reach areas.
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure connectivity for all, regardless of location,” Molapisi stated.
The trial also assessed SMS capabilities over the LEO satellite connection, proving the technology’s potential for widespread application.
With successful implementation, satellite-to-mobile communication could revolutionise telecommunications in Africa, enabling digital inclusion and economic opportunities in regions previously disconnected from mainstream networks.
This milestone underscores the growing role of satellite technology in Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
By integrating satellite solutions with existing mobile networks, MTN and Lynk Global aim to provide seamless connectivity that overcomes traditional infrastructure challenges.
Samson Aminu, also known as Smile, has described the Smart Treasure Investment Team (ST Team) as a transformative force that has empowered its members and significantly contributed to poverty eradication.
Samson Aminu
Aminu, a VIP 9 member of the team, shared his experiences on Friday during the official car presentation ceremony held at the regional office in Lagos. Having recently received a Lexus RX350 and an international vacation from the team, Aminu recounted how the organization has positively changed his life.
“The Smart Treasure Investment Team has really imparted my life positively and changed my status from zero to hero,” he said.
He revealed that his first earnings through the team allowed him to relocate to a new apartment and acquire gadgets. “I’ve purchased various items for myself and my family, and established an operational center in Ilorin,” he added.
The ST Team, according to Aminu, aligns its activities with the United Nations’ 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include youth empowerment, poverty eradication, support for education in rural areas, and community service.
“The ST Team has come to eradicate poverty in Africa and across the globe. We are teaching people how to catch fish by themselves and making them financially stable,” Aminu explained.
He highlighted the organization’s initiatives such as providing allowances to civil servants, feeding the elderly, orphans, and widows, and investing in agriculture to sustain local communities.
“If the ST Team lasts long for another three years, the government would be grateful to this project as it would bring peace and comfort to the society,” Aminu said.
He applauded the leaders of the organization, Dr. Harold and Mentor Tina, for their sincerity, honesty, and dedication to humanity. “I urge the government to support this project, which has brought significant change to Nigeria in just two years,” he said.
Aminu, who has over 15 years of experience in multilevel marketing, commended the team for its exceptional standards and sustainability.
Telecom
15-Year-Old Autistic Artist, Kanye, to Unveil World’s Largest Art Canvas on Autism Awareness Day
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, affectionately known as Kanye, has become a beacon of inspiration for Nigeria’s youth. The 15-year-old autistic artist is set to unveil what is expected to be the world’s largest art canvas by an individual on April 2, 2025, World Autism Awareness Day, at Eagles Square in Abuja.
Kanye’s journey began at the tender age of two when he first showed a proclivity towards art. Despite facing challenges associated with autism, Kanye has flourished as an artist, earning accolades and the nickname “Young Picasso” for his exceptional abstract paintings.
The young prodigy’s attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record started in November. 2024, as part of the Zeebah Foundation’s ‘Impossibility Is A Myth’ project. This initiative not only showcases Kanye’s extraordinary talent but also aims to raise funds for a state-of-the-art autism resource center in Abuja, highlighting the need for greater support and inclusion for individuals with autism.
Kanye’s story aligns with MTN Nigeria’s recent “Go Make A Difference” (Go M.A.D) campaign, which encourages Nigerians to take bold steps and create positive impacts in their communities. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasised how Kanye embodies the Go M.A.D philosophy: “MTN’s mission is to connect people all over the world. Kanye is connecting art lovers, and people all over the world as well. He is a true icon, breaking barriers and proving that nothing is impossible”.
The unveiling event will be attended by key dignitaries, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. This high-profile support underscores the significance of Kanye’s achievement and its potential to inspire change.
Kanye’s father, Tagbo Okeke, stressed that this record attempt goes beyond personal achievement. “We started this awareness campaign to tell parents that no child should be left behind, that they are Fabulous, Autistic and Talented,” he said. The family’s efforts, including opening a gallery in Abuja where art therapy workshops are conducted, demonstrate their commitment to supporting others on the autism spectrum.
As Nigeria’s youth witness Kanye’s remarkable journey, many are inspired to make their own difference, regardless of the challenges they face. Kanye’s story proves that with determination, support, and the right tools – such as those provided by initiatives like MTN’s Go M.A.D campaign – young Nigerians can achieve extraordinary feats and create meaningful change in their communities.
Kanye’s upcoming unveiling of his monumental artwork is not just a personal triumph; it’s a powerful statement about inclusion, perseverance, and the limitless potential of Nigeria’s youth to make a difference.
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