From Abubakar Yusuf
At the 24th Igala Education Summit held at Kogi State University, Ayingba, Professor Armstrong Aduku Idachaba, former Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and current Dean of Management Sciences at Veritas University, Abuja, called for the responsible use of social media to preserve family values, cultural dignity, and social reorientation.
Delivering a lead paper titled "Leveraging Information Communication Technology for Education and Employment Opportunities Among Igala Youths: Problems and Prospects", Prof. Idachaba expressed concern about the negative impact of social media misuse, particularly among Igala youth. He highlighted the erosion of moral values and the prevalence of vulgar content, especially among Igala women, who traditionally symbolize cultural integrity.
"A very disturbing trend is the quantum of immoral and vulgar content coming from Igala women, who are supposed to represent the epitome of our culture," he said. He urged traditional leaders, elders, and stakeholders to impose sanctions on those responsible and to call errant families to order.
Prof. Idachaba emphasized the transformative potential of social media when used positively, pointing to its role in education, business, and fostering global connectivity. However, he warned against its misuse, which he described as a growing menace to societal values.
The professor's paper also delved into the history and effects of information and communication technology (ICT) in Igala society, analyzing its contributions to education, employment, and cultural preservation. He categorized media convergence into social, industrial, and cultural aspects, highlighting their implications for modern communication and creative industries.
Prof. Idachaba concluded by challenging Igala youth to embrace ICT responsibly, leveraging it for personal growth and societal development while respecting cultural norms and traditions.
The summit was attended by notable Igala scholars, traditional leaders, and youth groups, with discussions centered on using ICT as a tool for sustainable development.
