The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioners for Youth Development and Information to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the digital space to promote sustainable and positive social media engagement among youths in the state.
The motion was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Chukwuma Okoye, who represents Awka South II Constituency.
Presenting the motion during plenary, Okoye noted that social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok have become powerful tools of communication and influence among young people in Anambra State, shaping their thoughts, habits, and aspirations.
According to him, while these platforms sometimes expose youths to negative behaviours such as cyberbullying, fake news, and unproductive trends, they can also be harnessed to promote creativity, education, skills acquisition, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship.
“There is need to redirect the energy of our youths toward positive values, productivity, and innovation through structured and engaging digital programmes,” Okoye said.
He further explained that state-sponsored social media campaigns and challenges could serve as cost-effective strategies to promote social cohesion, entrepreneurship, mental health awareness, and patriotism among the youth population.
Okoye also suggested that engaging local content creators, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs would help amplify positive messages while creating opportunities for employment within the growing digital economy.
Several lawmakers supported the motion during debate, including Paul Obu representing Orumba North, Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme of Ekwusigo, Obi Nweke of Anambra East, Golden Iloh of Ihiala II, Mimi Azikiwe of Onitsha North I, Bernard Udemezue of Ayamelum, Chidiebere Ibemeka of Njikoka I, Augustine Ike of Nnewi North, Fred Ezenwa of Onitsha South I, and Deputy Majority Leader Jude Akpua representing Njikoka II.
The lawmakers observed that over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population is below 25 years, noting that many young people spend a significant amount of time on social media. They stressed that such platforms should be strategically utilized to promote educative and morally uplifting content.
Presiding over the plenary, the Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, commended Okoye for sponsoring the motion and appreciated members for their valuable contributions to the debate.
According to Angel Network News, the House subsequently adjourned plenary and will reconvene on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
