I recently attended the 5th Bodex Social Media Hangout at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, themed: “Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact” and organised by Florence (Bodex) Hungbo.
At the centre of the conversation was the transformative power of social media in shaping narratives, fostering collaboration, and addressing societal challenges.
The event emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to address challenges such as fake news, cyberbullying, and online harassment.
Through its sessions, the event showcased how social media had become a powerful tool for fostering awareness, driving economic growth, and promoting cultural exchange. It also attracted competent speakers, who brought their expertise to bear and delivered substance, not noise.
Dotun Babatunde, a digital marketing guru, who I had met during an ARCON training in Lagos, delivered a paper titled: ‘The Impact of AI on Social Media’. He encouraged users and creators to approach AI with a balanced perspective, recognising both its potential and pitfalls.
Associate Professor Tayo Popoola of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, with whom I had discussed my book, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’ at the Speakers’ Lounge, delved into a topic – Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact. He warned against misinformation and toxicity, which are often exacerbated by social media.
Dr. Akin Olaniyan called for ethical standards in digital content creation and urged society to value substance over virality in his paper titled, ‘Navigating the Social Media Age: Clout, Influence, and the Ethics of the Attention Economy”
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, showcased how social media had revolutionised law enforcement and warned against abuse.
The only panel at the event had yours truly, Olufemi Oguntamu, CEO of Penzaarville Africa; Tomiwa Talabi, Founder/CEO of Lagos Life Influencer; and Iyabo Ojo, Actress, Filmmaker, and Influencer.
Hosted by celebrated media personality, Frank Edoho, the event was well-coordinated and curated.
A protocol officer was assigned to me as a speaker and I was duly informed 48 hours before the event. So, on arriving at the venue, the protocol officer was on hand to see me through registration, and the green carpet section and settled me in at the Speakers’ Lounge, before the event took off.
The cultural troupe from Badagry was the icing on the cake for me and I would like to watch their performance again.
Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well; the 5th Bodex Social Media Hangout was the bomb and I give kudos to the convener, Bodex Florence Hungbo for a job well done.
**Oketola, erstwhile Editor of The PUNCH is a media consultant and an author
