The Federal Ministry of Communications is expecting over 1,000 participants at its National Social Media Retreat on use of social media for good governance, slated for December 4-5, 2018 at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

The ministry is collaborating with all other Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in organising the retreat on the use of the social media for good governance in line with government agenda to improve service delivery to the citizenry.

A statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, signed by Bolaji O. Kazeem, said: “The event which is free for participants will command gathering of experts, professionals, trained social media practitioners and stakeholders from MDAs and states in the federation.

“The objectives of the retreat are to sensitize stakeholders on the importance of social media, provide an opportunity for fresh inputs and feedback from stakeholders as well as create awareness on the opportunities and risks associated with the use of social media.

“Also, the event will avail stakeholders to share knowledge and information as well as review good practice on policies and programme and promotion of social media for good governance.

“Based on the unique characteristic of social media; openness, participation and sharing which has made rapid adoption by citizens however, there is growing concern and skeptism regarding the use of social media in the public sector due to the weaponisation of fake news and hate speech.

“In view of this development, the innovative use of technology allows social media to be a means of effective communication by harnessing the features of speed, propriety, transparency, accountability and mass participation in governance.

“The National Social Media Retreat would shed more light on the opportunities, risks, understanding ways to protect government and government workers in the proper use of social media.”