July 27, (THEWILL) – A group, the Civil Society Coalition on Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution, says it has trained 45 social media influencers and student activists on effective and strategic advocacy as an alternative to protest.
The beneficiaries, according to the group, were carefully selected from the seven states in the Northwest geo-political zone of Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi.
The Chairman of the group, Muhammad Musbahu Basirka, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano, on Saturday.
“It is hoped that the training has empowered them with skills to leverage their talents and expertise towards advocacy for positive change and demand for accountability from governments at all levels,” Basirka said.
He said the Coalition believed that social media, which is often used as a platform for organising protests, could also be used to influence government policies, decisions and actions, which could sometimes lead to unrest, instability and anarchy.
“The recent #EndSARS protest was a case in point where social media was used to demand the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force that was heavily accused of human rights abuse.
“Unfortunately, the Protests turned violent after the protesters took to the streets, which led to their forceful dispersal.
“We can harness the same power of social media to demand good governance and accountability from our leaders,” he said.
The Chairman called on the government to address the current hardships in the country by reducing the prices of foodstuff and essential commodities, ensuring security and stability across the nation, and providing job opportunities and empowerment schemes for young Nigerians.
“To our social media influencers and activists, we urge you to remain focused and committed to maintaining peace and unity in our great country, whilst demanding accountability and good governance at all levels,” he added.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
