The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta has lauded the literally feat attained by one of its, Dr. Omoniyi OIbietan.

The EVC gave the commendation on the Head, Media Relations, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan while Speaking at the unveiling of the book ‘Cyber Politics (Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria)’ recently launched on Abuja.

Danbatta said putting thoughts into writing remains one of the most challenging ventures and those who attain it should be regarded as the most intelligent

According to him, “Omoniyi and I have one thing in common, which is literally work. The most intelligent people are those who sit down to write books.

“Even though Ibietan is an activist, we have never had any disagreement since 2015 when I took over the leadership of NCC. I consider myself very lucky, because I never had any issue with him.”

While regretting the blow social media has dealt on the reading culture of Nigerians, he admitted that it has come to stay. He clarified that though the Commission does not have the jurisdiction to regulate the social media, it has powers to regulate the host on which social media thrive.

“NCC doesn’t regulate the content of social media but we regulate the infrastructure in which social media are hosted, ensuring that quality of service and experiences are of high standard comparable to any part of the world,” he noted.

The chairman of the occasion and a former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke recommended the book to the academia and all Nigerians, saying it has added to the knowledge on social media most especially the impact it has in 2023 General elections.

“Considering the recent part social media has played in Nigeria’s political history, I strongly recommend this book for practitioners and academicians in the fields of strategic communications, new technologies, politics, and social change”.

There was also a panel session with panelist including the author, Dr.Ibietan, Mr. Mojeed Dahiru and Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, while Dr. Chido Onumah served as the moderator.

For the author, his intention to carry the research was to add to the body of knowledge and encourage all Nigerians to venture into research, however minimal.

“Cyber Politics in Nigeria is fundamentally a subject of research. As we all know, research is intrinsic to the solving of societal problems.

“What we have done is to provide an understanding in how social technology may help us in building a better society, beginning with politics which all of us should be interested in.

“There will be sequel to this book, and we are unlikely to focus on social technology, rather well focus on interpersonal communication in non-digital context because this are still central part of our lives that we cannot ignore”, he said.

The book was published by Premium Times Books and unveiled by the EVC with support from other dignitaries at the occasion.