Use of social media for accountability

On January 2nd when Accountability Lab called for applications from young people to be a part of the SDG 16 Innovation Challenge, I was quick to share with members of the Nigeria Youths SDGs Network and other young people within my network. Five weeks after, on the recommendation of Joshua Alade, I was in one of the conference halls of Community Park standing in front of about 20 amazing young people training them on how they could Use Technology (New Media) for Social Innovative and Impact.

I touched on series of innovative ways young people are leveraging technology for social impact and stronger institutions. A greater part of my conversation with the participants was devoted to listening to each of the participant’s idea, the challenge they were out to solve and how best to infuse technology. One thing that formed the core of my presentation is the truth that the power of technology (especially through the new media) is hard to dismiss.

What once seemed like a trivial way to keep in touch with friends, sharing photos and jokes, has become a force for societal change and a platform to promote innovative ideas. Technology now helps more people shine the light on subjects previously unknown, deepen conversations and empower citizens of the world to unite, bring about social impact and effect change in a number of ways.

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I look forward to seeing how these set of champs will use media – traditional and social, artificial intelligence, mobile applications and local people-driven systems to drive social innovations, build skills, strengthen accountability, rule of law and access to justice.

I was convinced that indeed, the 2019 SDG 16 Innovation Challenge (SIC2019) truly achieved the aim set before it. I nurse no doubt that these creative solutions, in line with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institution, are the next big thing to redefine social impact. Worthy of note, apart from the SDGs16 Innovation Challenge, Accountability Lab’s year-long programme – Accountability Incubator is another unique way Mr. Friday Odeh and his team are accelerating ideas into action by grooming young civil society leaders to build sustainable, effective tools for accountability, participation and social impact in their societies.

‘Seyifunmi Adebote,

Abuja.