Political Leaders, Media Experts Advocate Ethical New Media Use At Ogun Progressive Summit

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, key political figures and media professionals gathered at the Ogun State Progressives New Media Summit on Thursday and underscored the urgent need for responsible, strategic, and principled social media engagement as political campaigns gather momentum.

The summit, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, brought together political communicators, legal practitioners, journalists, content creators, and social media influencers to deliberate on the theme, “Defending the Truth, Advancing Renewed Hope, and Shaping the Future of Progress for Ogun State with Senator Yayi.”

Delivering the keynote address, titled “New Media Imperatives for the 2027 General Elections,” communication consultant Olootu Bolaji Adeniji said the gathering was convened to reposition Ogun State’s digital communication ecosystem through collaboration, ethical engagement, capacity building, and value-driven messaging.

He said the initiative aims to build a coordinated online presence that would strengthen public perception, promote political brands, and deepen communication between leaders and the electorate.

According to him, the proposed communication architecture would shift attention from mere online visibility to converting digital engagement into meaningful public support through structured communication strategies.

“The goal is to address the existing shortcomings in our digital engagement and establish a system that creates stronger online visibility, promotes our core values, and ensures effective communication between political brands and the public,” Adeniji said.

He stressed that political leaders must provide adequate motivation, financial support, and accessibility to media teams to enable them to function effectively.

Adeniji also urged new media practitioners to continually improve their digital skills by embracing creativity and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

“Content is king. Every content creator must first understand the audience, identify what they need, and communicate information that is both credible and valuable,” he added.

Also speaking, legal practitioner Hon. Adebayo Adekoya warned social media users against publishing false or defamatory information, saying such actions could attract criminal prosecution under existing laws.

He advised content creators to ensure they possess verifiable evidence before making allegations against any individual.

According to him, both original publishers and those who republish defamatory content could be held liable.

“We must avoid using social media as a tool for blackmail, fake news, and character assassination. Freedom of expression does not excuse defamation,” Adekoya said.

He cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example, noting that although the President had publicly stated that he no longer pays attention to social media because of persistent attacks, other public office holders might not hesitate to seek legal redress over defamatory publications.

Former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, urged political office holders to leverage social media as a governance tool beyond election campaigns.

She said government policies, programmes, and achievements should be communicated consistently through digital platforms to keep citizens adequately informed.

Adeleye also challenged new media practitioners to become pacesetters by breaking news promptly instead of relying on conventional media organisations.

Veteran journalist and Publisher of Gateway Times, Dayo Rufai, called on social media influencers to use their platforms to project the achievements of government.

He noted that government communication has continued to evolve and urged digital communicators to maximise online platforms in promoting government policies, programmes, and developmental initiatives.

Earlier in his welcome address, the convener of the summit and Special Assistant on New Media to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Omooba Damilare Oloyede, described the event as a strategic platform for uniting progressive digital communicators across Ogun State.

He said the summit was organised to connect, inspire, and equip participants with the skills needed to combat misinformation and effectively communicate the achievements of progressive administrations.

“Ogun State remains one of Nigeria’s leading states in political social media engagement. We must move beyond routine posting to strategic influence that counters falsehood with facts and projects verifiable government achievements,” Oloyede said.

He also called for unity among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the era of internal divisions should give way to collective efforts to advance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, protect the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun, and mobilise support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

Oloyede reaffirmed the need for ethical conduct, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous capacity building as essential ingredients for strengthening political communication and promoting the responsible use of new media in Nigeria’s democratic process.