The Internet For Peace Forum 2019 was held on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Lagos, with the theme: Breaking Down Barriers: FUTURE POSSIBILITIES.
The event commenced at 11am, moderated by Ify Onyegbule, with the recognition of special guests and singing of the first stanza of the National Anthem.
Amb. Obuesi Phillips, president of Community Agenda for Peace (CAP), appreciated all presenntees. He spoke on the impact of internet (social media) in the last election. He also spoke on the negative usage of social media in propagating problems facing Nigeria.
Mr Felix Iziomoh, Executive Director of International Centre for Leadership Development Nigeria (ICLDN), commented on the negative usage of social media. He said that since the arrival of internet we’ve never known peace. He concluded that the negativity of the social media outweighs the positivity.
Mrs Eyitayo Iyortim, Chief Operating Officer of NIRA, spoke on “Internet for Peace: The roles of regulatory agencies”. She said whatever you don’t want to be broadcasted on CCN shouldn’t be on social media. She informed that regulatory agencies engage law enforcement agencies, prevent cyber threat etc. She added that regulatory agencies need to be closer to the people and people need to question the activities of the regulatory agencies.
Comr. Chris Ibe, Founder/Executive Director of African Youth Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP), spoke on “Strategies for Preventing Radicalism and Violent Extremism”. He said that people who can’t physically challenge you can easily use social media; if you deny people a physical space for expression they can resort to cyber space.
Mr Yemi Emiola, MD/CEO of Soul-Rich Consultancy, spoke on “Youthful Possibilities for Peace in the Internet”. He said Nigeria is filled with potentials. He added that the way you label yourself is based on your value.
Richard Amuwa, On-Air Personality, spoke on “Internet, Insecurity and Peace Building: Role of Young People”. He said young people need to know that life is a process.
An opportunity was given for participants to refresh and network. After which there was an interactive session and opportunity for questions and answers. Points raised include: internet doesn’t forgive, internet doesn’t forget; control is different from regulation; government should regulate not control the use of media.
Hon Samuel Obodo, Head of Admin of CAP, thanked supporters, participants and volunteers.
The event ended at 2pm with the singing of the second stanza of the National Anthem and group photographs were taken.
This is awesome Weldon
Wonderful.
Keep it up