The executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has lauded the author of the book Cyber Politics, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, for his exceptional diligence, literary prowess and activism in his endeavour to contribute to the betterment of society by sharing knowledge.
The public launch of the book titled Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography, and Voting Behavior in Nigeria took place in Abuja. The event witnessed the presence of government officials, journalists, accomplished professionals and friends who congregated to commemorate this significant literary achievement.
Ibietan, who heads the media relations management unit at the NCC, received the honour of having Danbatta pen the foreword of his book and presented it to the public officially.
In his remarks, Danbatta expressed his admiration for Ibietan’s ardent dedication to penning a book on the subject of cyber politics. He commended Ibietan for seamlessly integrating his official duties at NCC with his fervent passion for producing this insightful literary work. Danbatta playfully commented on the contrasting paths they had taken: “I believe Dr. Ibietan has taken a commendable leap by choosing to serve at NCC, while I was beckoned to serve from the classroom”.
Regarding the formidable task of writing, Danbatta stated, “Individuals who meticulously gather their thoughts and translate them into impactful written works, such as this book, are among the intellectual pillars of our society. Ibietan’s literary achievement is indeed commendable and we are delighted to have such a dedicated professional within our ranks”.
The executive vice chairman emphasised that beyond his scholarly pursuits and eloquence in public speaking, Ibietan is recognised for his activism aimed at societal improvement. Prof. Danbatta acknowledged the fruitful collaboration he has enjoyed with Ibietan during his eight years at the helm of the NCC.
Continuing, Danbatta attested to the formidable challenges inherent in the writing process, acknowledging the multifaceted effort that goes into producing a book. He conveyed his anticipation for future literary endeavours by Ibietan, stating, “I have heard that more books are in the pipeline after this one, and we eagerly anticipate their release”.
In the context of the event, Danbatta officially presented the book on behalf of NCC’s management and staff, along with Premium Times Books, the publisher. He urged members of the public to engage with the book, underlining the rewarding experience of delving into its contents.
A distinguished scholar in the field of telecommunications engineering, Danbatta articulated in his foreword to the book, saying it illuminates the historical context of Nigerian politics and democracy. He also acknowledged the book’s exploration of the intricate interplay between social media and voting behaviour, as well as the influence of the social media landscape on electoral dynamics.
The EVC characterised the book as a captivating narrative, an invaluable scholarly guide, and a thought-provoking companion that delves into various political communication themes. He applauded the engaging and articulate prose, highlighting its capacity to captivate readers with its insightful analysis.
Published by Premium Times Books, the book delves into Nigeria’s democratic landscape with a particular focus on elections, shedding light on the role of social media. Editor-in-chief of Leadership Newspapers Group, Azubuike Ishiekwene provided a comprehensive review of the book during the event. He emphasised that Cyber Politics transcends mere electoral analysis, offering a profound exploration of political communication and its sociological implications.
In 12 comprehensive chapters, Cyber Politics investigates themes encompassing cyber-culture, social demographics, political communication, and voting behaviour. The book traverses decades of research, consistently intriguing scholars as they endeavour to unravel the complexities of voter behaviour, especially during electoral processes.
Dignitaries at the event showered accolades upon the author for his exemplary literary contribution. The book was hailed as a notable work which would resonate deeply with its readers.
Beyond the surface analysis, Cyber Politics delves into the heart of Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election and the intricate dynamics of political conversations within the country’s active social media user base of approximately 33 million individuals. The book investigates the potential impact of political discussions, particularly among influencers, on the outcome of elections.
A former Minister of Information and Communication in Nigeria, Frank Nweke Jr. hailed the book as an “uncommon body of work by an intellectual visionary”. He expressed confidence that the insights and recommendations offered within the book would extend beyond the Nigerian general elections of 2015 and find resonance in global contexts.
Nweke, who chaired the book presentation, lauded Ibietan for his remarkable work and recommended Cyber Politics to practitioners and academics specialising in strategic communications, new technologies, and social change.
According to the director of public affairs at NCC, Reuben Muoka, Ibietan’s dedication to researching the intersection of communication studies and psephology over the past two decades underscores his nuanced understanding of the subject matter.
Editor-in-chief of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed described Cyber Politics as a “classic”. The book employs Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election as a backdrop to offer insights into the future of voting behaviour within Africa’s largest democracy. Mojeed emphasised the captivating prose and incisive analysis, underscoring the book’s role in advancing knowledge.
As the publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi observed in the book’s introduction, the book explores the profound impact of the digital realm on elections. The book highlights the democratising effect of social media, which expands access to registration, participation, voting and organising on an unprecedented scale.
In conclusion, the public presentation of Cyber Politics marked a significant milestone in the realm of political communication and sociological inquiry.
Ibietan’s literary achievement has illuminated the intricate dynamics of cyber politics and its implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes. The recognition and praise bestowed upon the book reflect its enduring relevance and potential to shape scholarly discourse and societal understanding.
