The APC Candidate for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has called for the strategic, ethical, and responsible use of new media as a tool for governance, citizen engagement, and sustainable development beyond election cycles.
Adeleye made the call while participating as a panelist at the Ogun State Progressives New Media Summit held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, under the theme, “Defending the Truth, Advancing Renewed Hope and Shaping the Future of Ogun State with Senator Yayi.”
Speaking during the panel session titled “Beyond the Timeline: What Next and How Far Can We Go as Social Media Handlers?”, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development reflected on the evolution of new media in Ogun State over the last decade, noting that digital platforms have grown from mere channels of communication into powerful instruments for public accountability, policy advocacy, citizen participation, and governance.
She stressed that political leaders must embrace social media as a continuous governance tool rather than restricting its use to election periods.
According to Adeleye, “the future of Ogun State cannot be shaped by elections alone. Beyond 2027, new media must serve as a bridge between government and the people, fostering continuous engagement, transparency, and accountability. Social media handlers must become champions of truth, responsible communication, and constructive dialogue that advances development rather than division.”
She further challenged digital communicators to become pace-setters in information dissemination by breaking verified stories promptly and effectively communicating government activities and achievements. She also urged practitioners to remain professional, civil, and conscious of legal and ethical considerations while engaging public office holders and discussing public policies.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Convener of the Summit and Special Assistant on New Media to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), Omooba Damilare Oloyede, described the gathering as a strategic platform designed to unite progressive digital communicators across Ogun State.
He emphasized the need for collaboration, capacity building, and a coordinated communication structure capable of countering misinformation and projecting the achievements of progressive governments.
Oloyede stated that, “this summit is about connecting, inspiring, and influencing a new generation of digital communicators. We must move beyond routine posting to strategic engagement that defends the truth, promotes verifiable achievements, and strengthens the Renewed Hope agenda across Ogun State.”
He also called on party members to close ranks and work collectively toward advancing the progressive cause ahead of the 2027 elections.
Delivering the keynote paper titled “New Media Imperatives for the 2027 General Elections,” Communications Consultant Olootu Bolaji Adeniji advocated a value-driven and coordinated digital ecosystem capable of improving public perception, strengthening political brands, and converting online engagement into meaningful public support.
He urged content creators to embrace continuous learning, digital literacy, creativity, and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence-driven storytelling, while maintaining audience-focused and credible content.
Also speaking, Veteran journalist and Publisher of Gateway Times, Dayo Rufai, underscored the importance of deploying digital platforms to amplify governance achievements and developmental initiatives. “Government communication is evolving rapidly, and social media influencers must rise to the occasion by using their platforms to communicate policies, programmes, and achievements effectively. Beyond political campaigns, new media should serve as a tool for informing citizens, strengthening public trust, and encouraging active participation in governance,” he said.
Rufai further called for greater collaboration among media practitioners to ensure that accurate and timely information reaches the public.
