The Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) and communication scholars has commended the Head, Media Relations Management, NCC, Omoniyi Ibietan, PhD, for his contribution to scholarly communication on cyber politics.
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC
Aminu Maida in his goodwill message stated that Dr. Ibietan’s path-breaking book, Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography, and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria, broaches a radical new territory in bridging psephology and communications scholarship through an examination of the interface between social media networks and voting behaviour in the country.
Maida noted that the book draws its insights from a deeply methodical study of Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election, unearthing the intersections of social and demographic factors, digital social mediation and the remarkable impact of these variables on the voting behaviour of the electorate.
He added that the book draws its insights from a deeply methodical study of Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election, unearthing the intersections of social and demographic factors, digital social mediation and the remarkable impact of these variables on the voting behaviour of the electorate.
“Dr. Ibietan’s book speaks to the reality of how the demographics of voting is now in favour of digital natives, whose engagements are set to upend the traditional media approaches, hence the great value in seeking an understanding of the growing interface across cyber politics, social media networks and social demography. Specifically, the author utilises tested theoretical models and research methods to scrutinise the impact of social media on contemporary politics.”
While appreciating Dr. Ibietan for the scholarly feat, Maida noted that Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria is an absorbing and persuasive book that adds huge insightful value to an understanding of the interactions between politics, social media networks and other variables that influence the behaviour of voters in a democracy.
Also speaking at the event, the President, ACSPN, Umaru A. Pate stated that a cursory reading of the book indicates that Dr. Ibietan has been able to achieve the objectives of contributing to the conceptual and empirical dimensions of the subject in the context of political communication.
Pate maintained that Dr. Ibietan’s effort is clearly manifested in the quality of the content in the book, its appropriate theoretical grounding, and sound conclusions that are reliably valid in the Nigerian context.
“Personally, I am enriched by the arguments and conclusions in the book. The book has increased my understanding of the relationship between the ever-growing social media and politics in the country.
“This is very important for obvious reasons, some of which relate to the popularity and influence of the new media, particularly among the most active components of the population.” He added.
Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof. Peter Esuh described the book as a significant addition to the ongoing discourse on the influence of technological advancements on societal progress adding that It offers a scholarly exploration of how social media platforms shape electoral behaviour in the intricate Nigerian electoral landscape.
His words:
“The author, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, is a renowned scholar known for his intellectual prowess and activism. His work has consistently been commendable, and this notable Book of Reading is a testament to his innovative thinking and scholarly contributions. The book is wholeheartedly endorsed for reading.”