By Gift Samuel, The Sight News
Abuja-Following a successful outing at the 2nd edition of the New Media, Citizens and Governance Conference which held in 2016, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, Paradigm Initiative and BudgIT Nigeria have promised that the NMCG 3rd edition slated to hold in 2018 will deliver more and have greater impact on the Nigerian society.
Speaking on Tuesday at a Media Parley in Abuja on the NMCG, the representative of Enough is Enough(EiE) Nigeria, Mr. Ogunsanya Ade said that as more Nigerians go online, it is important to discuss what happens online and who determines what happens online.
While noting that conversations had over the NMCG conference 2016 has enriched the practice of public to government discourse in Nigeria and deepened democratic practice, he disclosed that the NMCG in its 3rd edition promises to deliver more and have a greater impact on the society to attain the Nigeria sought after by all.
According to Ade; “NMCG Conference 2018 therefore provides another opportunity for all stakeholders in public, private, civil society and all citizens to get their voices heard and shape their digital futures and the right to be heard.
“They will also engage meaningfully with government across social media channels-which are rapidly emerging as the new media of the 21st century “.
Also speaking, the programme manager Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Mr Adeboye Adegoke said that the new media has democratized opinion and have given individuals the power to publish whatever they feel about the government, stressing the need to make the space as robust as possible.
He said; “As the new media is now part of our everyday lives, we should capitalize on its opportunities to influence discussions and improve your lot as an individual and as journalists”.
On the expectation for the NMCG 2018, Adegoke said, ” We are looking forward to a 2018 event that will have more involvement from people in top government levels.
“We are trying to ensure that citizens become very active irrespective of who becomes the president of Nigeria or which political party is in power, if we keep quiet, they will serve only their children” he emphasized.
On his part, the Media Manager Enough is Enough(EiE) Olukoju Oluwole stated that the only way to bridge the gap between citizens and government is through innovations, new media as well as the digital media platforms.
The climax of the parley was the launch of the report of the 2016 New Media Citizens and Governance conference which focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizens and government in using new media in a mutually beneficial way.
