NIGERIA’s former Ambassador to Spain, Yusuf Mamman, has called on online publishers to steer Nigeria towards seeking global financial inclusion through awareness creation amongst Nigerians.
Amb. Mamman gave the charge while speaking at the 8th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) which held at the Reverton Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi State capital, under the theme: “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy.”
Mamman chaired the conference with the keynote address delivered by former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, while Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State served as chief host.
Mamman, a former broadcaster, said in his opening remarks that Nigerian cards rarely get recognised abroad, regretting that this has led to many hardships for Nigerians.
He said since global financial system has gone cashless, there must be conscious efforts to integrate Nigeria saying failure to do so could lead to what he called cyber balkanisation.
He admitted that Nigerian youths spend huge sums on data, but wondered if this huge spending ever goes to seeking knowledge.
“There is knowledge out there in the internet where people can learn most things to improve themselves, but we must be sure that is where the huge data being poured into the internet by Nigerian youths is going to.
“There is what I regard as the biggest university in the world; ‘University of Youtube’. This has caused huge transition in every aspect of life,” Mamman said, adding noting that many technologies including the Post and Telecommunication (P&T) system and photography have since transited to new techs.
He said IT has caused a quantum leap which has also brought threats in the form of misinformation, worrying on how Nigeria can safeguard morality and reduce sensationalism.
Noting the availability of multiple social media platforms, Amb. Mamman urged GOCOP to find a way to embrace them to be relevant in the industry.
He said GOCOP must find how to transit from online journalism to a kind of media convergence system where Youtube, he said, is king.
“If you don’t want to get wet, don’t get into the water”, he told the gathering not to wish online space away stressing that the digital media world is now about ‘like, comment, and share’.
He commended the GOCOP members for sustaining the journey for eight years, as he recalled the early days of GOCOP adding that the new media is opening new frontiers and by implication opening new opportunities and challenges. He said IT is an evolutionary process, which is as deep and wide as an ocean.
Some GOCOP partners delivered goodwill messages. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was represented by the Corporate Communications Division through Teleola Oyeleke, who commended GOCOP for sustaining the Guild, saying it was evidence of seriousness of the members.
He said: “We regard you as one of NCDMB’s critical stakeholders. That is why the board has been partnering this organization. We are glad to partner you people both as a group and as individual publishers.”
He called on GOCOP to continue to support local content development, saying Nigeria is leading the drive in Africa.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was represented by Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Media Relations, who said the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, held GOCOP in high esteem.
He said the digital space and role of online publishing were critical and now a reality. “You are important, not just for popularizing the NCC but for opening the democratic space. We are improving investment and productivity of the nation. That is why constructive ideas are always welcome to the NCC.”
