MEDIA, THE LAST BASTION OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA: LET’S USE IT FOR LIBERATION

By Rev, Innocent Chukwudi Peace

Media, the Last Bastion of Hope for Nigeria: Let’s Use It for our Liberation

The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Nigerian government have failed to address the country’s most pressing issues.

However, the media, which serves as the fourth estate of the realm, still has the power to effect change. We can use the media to bring attention to these issues and advocate for solutions that will benefit all Nigerians.

The media especially the Social media has certainly given a voice to many people who may not have had one before.

It’s a very powerful tool for democratizing information and giving a platform to those who may otherwise be unheard.

While the traditional media has played a key role in agenda-setting, the rise of social media has given individuals a greater voice and the ability to amplify their message.

This has had a democratizing effect on information, giving people the ability to share their thoughts and experiences with a global audience. This can be a powerful tool for bringing about change, as it allows people to organize and advocate for their causes on a large scale.

Throughout history, the media has played a critical role in bringing about change, from the American Revolution to the Arab Spring. In countries around the world, the media has served as a watchdog, holding governments accountable and bringing attention to important issues.

In Nigeria, the media can play a similar role in bringing about positive change for the country.

In Nigeria, this has led to social movements like the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which used social media to draw attention to the kidnapping of 276 girls by Boko Haram.

The #EndSars protests and the OBIDIENT MOVEMENT are excellent examples of how social media can be used to bring about change.

The #EndSars movement used social media to organize and draw attention to police brutality in Nigeria, leading to widespread protests.

Similarly, the OBIDIENT MOVEMENT has used social media to mobilize support for Labour party, a political party barely known and made Peter OBI the candidate to beat who is challenging the status quo. These are great examples of how the power of social media can be harnessed to bring about positive change.

Edmund Burke, the 18th century Irish statesman who coined the term “fourth estate” to describe the press and its ability to influence public opinion and hold those in power accountable. He believed that the media played a vital role in a functioning democracy, and his ideas are still relevant today.

The media has the power to shape public opinion and influence the actions of the government. Through editorials and other forms of commentary, the media can set an agenda for discussion and debate.

This is why it’s so important to have a strong and independent media that is not beholden to any particular political or commercial interests.
The “court of public opinion” can be a powerful force for positive change.

The media, also known as the fourth estate, is a critical part of a functioning democracy. In addition to its traditional role as informer, educator, entertainer, advertiser, and critic, the media also serves as a lawmaker through its power to set the agenda for public debate.

Through editorials and other forms of commentary, the media can influence the actions of the government and shape public opinion. In this way, the media is a court of its own, known as the court of public opinion.

Nigerians, you have the power to change your country for the better. With social media, you can share your thoughts and experiences with the world, and connect with others who share your vision.

By working together, we can make our voices heard and bring about the change we want to see. So let’s start using social media to organize, advocate, and create a better Nigeria.

Traditional media still plays an important role in Nigerian society. In addition to social media, let’s also encourage people to engage with traditional media, such as newspapers, radio, and television.

These platforms can be used to spread information and raise awareness of important issues.

They also have the power to reach a wider audience, including those who may not be active on social media.

Change is within our reach. As the executive arm, the legislative and Judiciary think that they have conquered Nigerians we still have the fourth estate of the realm and it cannot be controlled nor intimidated into silence by the present corrupt government.

By working together, using social media and traditional media, we can create the Nigeria we want to see. Let’s use our collective voice to bring about a more just, equitable, and prosperous nation. Let’s start today, and never give up on our dream of a better Nigeria.

Rev Innocent Chukwudi Peace, Executive Director NIGERIA 2.0 FREEDOM NOW Writes from Abuja