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Communicating Missing Persons Online in Nigeria

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

In a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria, the issue of missing persons is a growing concern, especially in the face of rising insecurity, abductions, and societal instability. While the traditional methods of reporting missing persons through law enforcement and word-of-mouth remain vital, the emergence of digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp has become a powerful tool for disseminating information. These platforms provide a space for the public to contribute to the search, mobilize resources, and raise awareness in real time. However, in this piece, our analyst notes that to maximize the effectiveness of digital communication in finding missing persons, a more strategic approach is needed.

The Role of Social Media in Reporting Missing Persons

Nigeria has a large social media presence, with millions of users across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. These platforms offer several benefits, including the ability to reach a wide audience instantly and the ability to mobilize the community at large. For many Nigerians, social media is the first port of call when trying to locate a missing person. Facebook groups, like the one dedicated to finding missing persons in Nigeria, have become hubs where families post details about their loved ones, hoping the wider community can assist in locating them.

However, despite the vast reach, the digital space can be a double-edged sword. While it offers the potential for quick results, the effectiveness of the process often depends on how well the information is communicated. Poorly crafted posts can lead to confusion, misidentification, or worse, the spread of misinformation. Therefore, understanding the best practices for communicating missing persons online is essential to optimizing the use of these digital platforms.

Key Elements for Effective Communication in the Digital Space

Clarity and Accuracy in the Message

A well-crafted post is clear, concise, and contains all the necessary information to aid the search. It should include the following key details:

  • Physical Description: Height, build, hair colour, eye colour, any distinguishing features (e.g., tattoos, scars).
  • Last Seen Location: Providing a specific location helps narrow down the search and assists those in that area in paying closer attention. Details about landmarks, neighbourhoods, or specific locations like bus stations or markets are valuable.
  • Date and Time: The time the person went missing can be crucial in triggering memories or helping authorities track their movements.
  • Contact Information: Ensure the contact information is easily visible and offers multiple ways for people to report tips. WhatsApp numbers, phone numbers, and emails should be readily accessible.

The more precise the information, the higher the chances of receiving relevant leads. Incomplete or vague information can lead to people scrolling past the post without taking action.

Emotional Appeal with Sensitivity

One of the primary drivers of engagement on social media is emotional appeal. A message that reflects the urgency and emotional weight of the situation is likely to catch attention. However, it’s important to strike a balance between an emotional appeal and factual communication. Posts should aim to convey the severity of the situation without resorting to sensationalism.

For example, a missing child’s post could mention the emotional impact on the family, using empathetic language like, “Ayomide’s family is desperate for any information about his whereabouts. His mother is critically ill and needs to see him.” But it should not exaggerate the situation to the point where it becomes misleading or overstated.

This emotional touch encourages readers to engage not just out of concern but also because they feel personally connected to the cause. In a country where personal relationships and community solidarity are highly valued, a heartfelt appeal can resonate deeply.

Regular Updates and Transparency

One of the pitfalls of social media communication is the temptation to post a single update and then leave the public hanging. Effective communication requires continuous updates on the status of the search. These updates could include new information, sightings, or even reports from authorities. Each update should be shared promptly across all platforms to ensure the search is actively ongoing.

For example, if a missing person has been spotted in a particular location, posting an update like, “We have received reports of sightings in the Agege area. Please stay vigilant and report any new sightings” can refocus efforts. Moreover, when the person is found, announcing it promptly with gratitude is equally important, as it gives closure to the community involved in the search.

Transparency in the progress of the search also builds trust among the public. People are more likely to engage in future searches when they see that the process is being handled with honesty and diligence.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Although social media is powerful, law enforcement remains a critical player in the search for missing persons. It’s essential to collaborate with the authorities and include them in the communication process. Digital platforms should not be used as substitutes for reporting to the police. Instead, they should complement law enforcement efforts by providing public updates and organizing community searches.

Calls for assistance from the police—such as “Please report any sightings to the nearest police station”—can also build credibility and encourage compliance from the public. Additionally, when working with law enforcement, it’s important to include the police’s official channels for reporting, ensuring that people can easily connect with the appropriate authorities.

Leveraging Technology to Track and Mobilize

Another innovative strategy is to leverage geolocation tools and online databases to track the movement of missing persons. Websites like governi.ng, which document missing persons, can be used to create a centralized database accessible by anyone with an internet connection. Integrating such resources into social media posts or group discussions helps to streamline the search process.

The use of hashtags on platforms like Twitter can also create a searchable index for missing persons, allowing users to find related posts with ease. For instance, hashtags like #FindAyomide or #MissingIbukun can help consolidate posts about specific cases, making it easier for others to spread the word.

Editor’s Note: The messages illustrating these strategies were sourced from the official Facebook page of Missing People Finder in Nigeria

Indispensable Tech for Home Downsizing

By
TI Partners
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0

There are many reasons a person might want to downsize from a larger home to a smaller one. From finding career opportunities in a more convenient location to a desire to try a more minimalist and less ostentatious lifestyle, any choice here is valid. Aside from the appreciable reward of lower air conditioning bills, a smaller home also reintroduces an opportunity to equip your home with tech.

As much as we love technology, it does have an unfortunate habit of scaling significantly with home footprint. The smaller your house, the more affordable it is to install everything you need and live life on the cutting edge. So, what tech here is worth seriously considering to get ahead for a more forward-thinking future?

First Things First

Before looking at the new tech, you’re going to have to determine what you’re going to leave from your old home. This can mean selling old devices, choosing what you’ll really need, and creating a solid plan. It can also require wiping the storage drives and performing a factory reset. Guides on websites like PCMAG can help here if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

You’ll also want to be completely sure of the budget you’re afforded through selling your old home, which can be a time-consuming and frustrating process through the traditional method. There are alternatives here from services like We Buy Any Home that can bypass this issue. Through a simple three-step process, this service can provide a free cash offer within minutes, to have funds to you in seven days to help you move onto the tech part. Once you know how much money you have to work with, the next parts are much easier.

The Best Tech

The first tech we’d suggest keeping in mind is smart home technology for better convenience and saving money through automation. Smart tech which connects to a local network can be accomplished through practically anything electronic, but what you’ll consider worth connecting is a more personal question.

Automated door locks, lights, washing machines, and air conditioning are a great start. These can add up to significant financial savings, and even help keep your home safe by making you appear at home when you’re not. Be sure to invest in open-source systems if possible, as the smart home market has a history of services going under and taking functionality with it, as The Verge reports.

The next step can be investing in more robust network wiring that avoids relying on Wi-Fi. Installing hardware cable connection points guarantees faster and more reliable internet connectivity. Plugging in walls also means you won’t have to run cables through rooms and under doors, which isn’t a great look.

Finally, you’ll also want to take into account the power strain you’ll put on certain outlets, and update home power systems accordingly. This is already a big problem in PC gaming with power-hungry tech like modern graphics cards, and it’s only likely to become a larger issue in the future.

Source: Pixabay

With all of this in mind, you’ll know where to start in supporting your new home with the right tech to support you. Remember to research what you need ahead of time, don’t go with the first choice, and you’ll be happier with the result for years to come.

Alowonle: A Security Litmus Test for Osun Road to 2026

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

The political climate in Osun State is heating up ahead of the 2026 governorship elections. At the center of the storm lies the controversial arrest and shooting of Nurudeen Alowonle, Chairman of the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS). What began as a law enforcement operation has morphed into a political flashpoint, with accusations of extrajudicial actions, political manipulation, and deteriorating governance dominating the discourse.

This incident encapsulates key issues that will likely shape the 2026 elections, including security, governance, trust in institutions, and the increasing role of youth advocacy. Our analyst notes that through the divergent narratives of the two major political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the contours of the political battlefield in Osun come into sharper focus.

Themes of Convergence and Divergence in Political Narratives

The exhibit below highlights areas of agreement (convergence) and conflict (divergence) between the PDP and APC on the key issues surrounding the Alowonle incident.

Exhibit 1: political parties’ narratives over the incident

Alowonle
Source: Multiple Facebook posts of political parties and their supporters, 2024; Osun State Government’s press release, 2024; Infoprations Analysis, 2024

Law and Order: A Security Crisis in Focus

The PDP has framed the Alowonle incident as a failure of law enforcement and a politically motivated attack. Their narrative emphasizes the excessive force allegedly used by the police, branding it an “assassination attempt” linked to APC’s national ambitions to reclaim the Southwest. The party’s statements resonate with public concerns over police brutality and extrajudicial killings, a recurring theme in Nigeria’s socio-political discourse.

The APC, on the other hand, has largely stayed silent on the matter, likely to avoid drawing further attention to the incident. However, this silence risks being interpreted as complicity, giving the PDP room to dominate the narrative. For the electorate, the incident underscores broader questions about the neutrality and professionalism of law enforcement agencies, a key issue likely to influence the 2026 elections.

Governance and Trust in Institutions

Public reactions, such as those from IleriOluwa Online Media, a group loyal to the former governor Gboyega Oyetola, stress a growing sentiment that Osun has shifted from being a peaceful state to a hotbed of unrest. The disruptions caused by roadblocks and protests illustrate the direct impact of political tensions on governance and daily life.

The PDP has seized this opportunity to criticize the APC for contributing to the destabilization of Osun, drawing a connection between the unrest and national APC leadership. The party’s argument centers on a perceived federal overreach, with PDP officials alleging that the APC uses security forces as tools for political suppression.

Conversely, the APC may frame the unrest as evidence of governance failures under the PDP-led state administration, potentially arguing that the current government has not effectively managed security and public order. This divergence in narratives sets the stage for governance and institutional trust to become central campaign issues.

Youth Advocacy and Political Mobilization

The role of Osun’s youth in demanding justice for Alowonle reflects a broader trend of political consciousness among younger demographics. Youth groups have called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure justice, positioning themselves as watchdogs of institutional accountability.

The PDP has embraced this activism, aligning itself with youth demands and framing the incident as part of a larger struggle for fairness and democracy. This alignment allows the party to tap into the energy and frustration of younger voters, a significant demographic in the state. The APC, however, may interpret youth involvement as politically charged, questioning the neutrality of these movements. While acknowledging the importance of youth engagement, the party might argue that the current activism is being leveraged to undermine its political standing.

Political Manipulation and Polarization

The Alowonle case has deepened polarization in Osun’s political landscape, with both the PDP and APC accusing each other of exploiting the incident for political gain. The PDP alleges that the APC, emboldened by recent national leadership changes, is escalating political violence to destabilize the state. The APC, in turn, might argue that the PDP is inflating the incident to distract from governance challenges and gain public sympathy. This mutual blame underscores the zero-sum nature of Osun’s political competition, where even non-political events are weaponized to score electoral points.

Hindsight

The Alowonle incident serves as a pivotal lens through which broader tensions shaping Osun’s political landscape can be understood. As parties prepare for the 2026 elections, their success will depend on their ability to navigate these challenges while addressing voters’ concerns effectively. For the PDP, aligning with youth advocacy and highlighting governance issues offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen its base. Conversely, the APC must focus on countering these narratives by emphasizing pragmatic governance and stability. In this era of heightened political awareness, the electorate’s decision will ultimately rest on which party presents the most credible and compelling vision for Osun’s future.

What Lies Ahead for 2026

The 2026 Osun governorship election will not merely be a contest of promises but a referendum on leadership, security, and governance. The PDP is likely to position itself as a defender of justice and stability, leveraging incidents like the Alowonle case to critique APC interference. Meanwhile, the APC will aim to challenge the PDP’s governance record, framing the unrest as evidence of the state government’s inadequacies.

For voters, issues such as law and order, trust in institutions, and youth empowerment will take center stage. The incident has also exposed a growing demand for accountability, with the electorate likely to favour candidates who offer clear solutions to Osun’s challenges rather than engaging in blame games.

Australia to Introduce World-First Legislation Banning Under-16s From Social Media Platforms

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

Social media companies in Australia could face fines of up to $50 million under a bold plan by the Federal Government to protect children from online harm. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is set to introduce landmark legislation on Thursday, aiming to establish a minimum age requirement of 16 years for platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and potentially YouTube.

The proposed laws will place the responsibility squarely on social media companies to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms, rather than leaving it to parents to monitor their children’s activities.

Under the legislation, platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” to block under-16s from creating accounts could face hefty penalties, including fines of up to $50 million. The government has warned that tech companies that “systematically” flout the rules will bear the brunt of these punitive measures.

While the exact method for verifying users’ ages has not yet been finalized, Minister Rowland assured her colleagues that users would not need to upload proof of identification directly to social media platforms. The legislation will also mandate strict privacy protections, requiring companies to destroy any personal data they collect as part of compliance efforts.

However, the legislation allows for certain exemptions. Platforms primarily designed for messaging, online gaming, health, or education purposes, such as WhatsApp, will likely be carved out. The inclusion of hybrid platforms like Snapchat, which functions as both a messaging service and a social media platform, remains uncertain.

These exemptions aim to balance child protection with preserving access to essential communication tools and educational resources.

If passed, the minimum age restriction will come into effect 12 months after the legislation is enacted, giving social media companies time to implement compliance measures.

Minister Rowland emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring young people are shielded from the potential harms of social media.

“Social media has a social responsibility for the safety and mental health of young Australians,” he said. “Ultimately, this is about supporting a safer and healthier online environment for young Australians.”

The Coalition, led by Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman, expressed support for the legislation but criticized the government for not acting sooner.

“We’ll work very constructively with the Government and we want to see this bill passed before Parliament rises for the end of the year,” Coleman said in an interview with ABC TV.

Despite some calls for further inquiry and scrutiny, the Coalition’s backing increases the likelihood that the bill will pass swiftly during the current parliamentary sitting fortnight.

Although the legislation represents a significant step in child safety, questions remain about its implementation. How platforms will verify users’ ages without compromising privacy is still unclear.

Experts have raised concerns about potential loopholes in enforcement, as children often find ways to circumvent age restrictions. Some have also highlighted the need for more comprehensive consultation to ensure that the measures are both effective and proportionate.

If successful, Australia’s move could set a precedent for other nations grappling with the challenges of regulating social media and protecting young users from online harm. The legislation underscores growing global expectations for greater corporate responsibility in digital spaces, especially by putting the onus on tech giants to police underage usage.

Major platforms, including Meta, TikTok, and Alphabet, have either declined to comment or not responded to inquiries about the proposed law. However, industry representatives have expressed reservations about the practical challenges of implementing such strict age verification protocols?.

Digital Transformation of Enterprises | Tekedia Mini-MBA

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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0

From the peerless home of digital payment innovation, we will learn from a business leader, innovator and transformer on how to design, implement and execute a digital enterprise playbook.

Yes, our Faculty, Folasade Femi-Lawal (FCA,FCIT,MBA), Country Manager, Area Business Head, West Africa for Mastercard, and Chairman of Mastercard Ghana, will teach today on the broad theme of digital transformation of enterprises.

Thur, Nov 21 | 7pm-8pm WAT | Digital Transformation of Enterprises – Folasade Femi-Lawal, Mastercard.

If you run a business, and do not have a digital vision, you will not go far in this era. Understand that even 20th century companies like Dangote Cement and agro-firms like Indomie Noodles have used a digital-anchored supply chain framework to drive competitiveness. They use digital to drive aggregation of inputs, price discovery and distribution of products making sure you do not have excess cement in Sokoto when none is available in Ibadan. With digital, Indomie Noodles knows when the trucks should arrive in your town because they see everything in their computers! The empires will be anchored on digital.

Tekedia Institute Mini-MBA >> our product is knowledge, and the best teach here.

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