As part of the efforts to commemorate World Social Media Day, a global day dedicated to social media as a tool for social connection and bridge-building in the digital world, Professor Dili Ofuokwu, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Ibusa, Delta State, Nigeria,says ADUN as a 21st Century University that employ cuttng-edge technology has made history. ADUN became the first university in Nigeria to host a “World Social Media Day” event. Professor Ofuokwu termed the event a milestone worth celebrating, showcasing the distinguished facets of the esteemed institution to a wider audience, including prospective students, parents, educators, and stakeholders.
Professor Dili Ofuokwu made this remark on Sunday, June 30, 2024, as ADUN University marked World Social Media Day in grand style at the Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba Multi-purpose Hall, Main Campus, Ibusa, Delta State, Nigeria. The event included awarding peace medals to Ogwashi-Uku & Ibusa Youth Leaders, and culminated in a novelty match with host communities as part of ADUN’s community relations and social corporate responsibilities.
Social media is a digital technology that allows the sharing of ideas and information, including text and visuals, via networks and communities. Today, over 4.8 billion social media users represent 59.9% of the global population and 92.7% of internet users. Notably, 75% of the world’s population aged 13 and above uses social media. World Social Media Day is an event aimed at inspiring followers, telling stories, thanking supporters, and sharing how institutions use social media. It also highlights the need for social workers to adopt innovative, community-led approaches grounded in indigenous wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature.
Declaring the event open, ADUN Acting VC, Prof Dili Ofuokwu, ably represented by ADUN Bursar, Captain Marcus Abani, welcomed participants, resource persons, students and staff, members of the press, and commended the Youth Leaders of the host communities, Ogwashi-Uku & Ibusa Youths, for the peaceful coexistence and positive community relations ADUN has enjoyed since its inception.
The Acting VC, urging them to continuously support the institution’s vision and mission statement, presented “Peace Medal Awards” to the Youth Leaders of the host communities: Comrade Chiedu Stanley, President-General, Ogwashi-Uku Youths Development Association (Worldwide), and Comrade Ifeanyi Victor Asiodu, President-General, Ibusa Community Youths Association (Worldwide).
The event continued with presentations by resource persons and speakers with expertise in ICT, Media, Music, and Community Development. These included Ferdinand Attah, Louis Esiobe, and a 400-level Cyber Security student of the University, Admirably Ogunleye Dide Niel. Staff, students, and other participants were equipped with basic knowledge and concepts in sectors such as Media, Entertainment, ICT, cyberattacks, SDGs, ethics, and other global best practices in social media operations.
The event was held both physically and virtually, with participants joining via a live streaming link. Students participated in an online contest with provided hashtags to promote the University as a global institution educating future luminary leaders. The contest included categories in the Entertainment & Media sectors, such as songs and spoken word performances.
Additionally, a novelty football match was played between the host communities, with Ogwashi-Uku (OG) All Stars Football Club facing off against ADUN Staff. The match ended with a score of 2-0 in favor of the institution.
Makut Alfred Mashat
Public Relations Officer
