In recent years, Nigeria as a country has witnessed a surge of digital activism with social media as a useful tool for communicating change. This has impacted the ways of communicating on social media platforms as it plays a vital role in political and social discourse as well as mobilizing action.
The power of social media in Activism: Social media platforms can disseminate information quickly in real-time enabling the mobilization of activists and supporters who amplify the voices of activists and passive audiences on these channels by providing a platform for them to share updates and advocate for change. This action assists social media to transcend information globally allowing them to gain international support for these issues raised on a global level. Examples of digital activism in Nigeria include #Bringbackourgirls and the popular #endsars. These examples fueled attractions from international supporters around the world.
The #Endsars movement in 2020 began on X where Nigerian Youths protested police brutality and a call for police reform. #Bringbackourgirls was initiated about the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Bokoharam in 2014, for all the mentioned movements, a social media campaign was utilized to create awareness and pressure the Nigerian government to act.
Digital Activism seeks to present opportunities for positive change, but it is also faced with challenges and opportunities such as online harassment, and misinformation.
In conclusion, digital activism has emerged as a potent force for social and political change in Nigeria. By harnessing the power of social media, activists are driving conversations, mobilizing communities, and advocating for a more just and equitable society. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, promoting communication skills and leveraging online platforms will help have a meaningful impact on activism.