Emotions as Konga steps up pace to mark 12th anniversary – Nigerian CommunicationWeek

The event took place at X Space and featured prominent experts from the media, mental health and legal industries who provided insights and answered questions from the participating audience.

The online session brought together voices from various fields to analyze the fine line between freedom of speech and cyberbullying. Participants explored the reality of cyberbullying, its impact on individuals and communities, and the differences between harmful behavior and the exercise of free speech.

The event highlighted the shared responsibility of individuals, businesses and society to create a safe online environment.

The expert panel included: Nikki Laoye, a talented musician, radio presenter and entrepreneur; Precious Richard-Okon, a content creator on plus size lifestyle and dance; Alice Okoro, 9mobile Legal Services Manager and Amara Ruth Esomchi, a certified healthcare professional and therapist.

Talented musician and radio presenter Nikki Laoye said that while people are free to comment on social media, it is important to checkmate online tyrants. “I am a radio personality, a musician, a humanitarian and other things, and I connect with different people all over the world.

This opened me up to cyberbullying, but I learned how to deal with such situations. “I agree that people are free to express their opinions, but I know when to put an end to insults and tyranny when necessary.”

Legal expert Alice Okoro stressed that the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression is often used as a pretext for cyberbullying. She said: “The Nigerian Constitution grants us the right to free speech, to express our opinions and to disseminate information on the internet.

However, there is no fundamental human right in the constitution that is absolute. This means that every right granted in the constitution has its limits and freedom of speech is limited in such a way that individuals are expected to express themselves without violating any law or provision of the constitution.”

Okoro explained that the Cyber ​​Crimes Act 2015 contains important provisions to curb cyberbullying and harassment.

This Act aims to prevent cybercrime crimes such as cyberbullying, online harassment and cyberstalking. Criminals who commit these crimes can be sentenced to three years in prison, a fine of up to seven million naira, or both. Repeat offenders can be fined up to fifteen million naira.

Precious Richard-Okon, Lifestyle plus-size content creator and senior business director, also shared her first-hand experiences in the online space and tips on how to navigate effectively.

9mobile Public Relations Manager Chineze Amanfo highlighted the company’s commitment to promoting responsible online behavior and the key role of telecommunications companies in this endeavor.

She stated: “At 9mobile, we recognise our responsibility to promote causes that shape the digital landscape to ensure it is safe and inclusive for all users. Our aim is to create platforms that encourage positive engagement and provide users with the tools and knowledge to navigate the internet safely.

“Our efforts extend beyond connectivity. We are actively engaged in educating the public on the importance of responsible online behavior and regularly disseminate information on how to manage and counter the effects of cyberbullying.

“By organizing such events, we want to provide our customers and Internet users with the knowledge and resources necessary to combat online harassment and responsibly uphold the principles of freedom of speech,” Amanfo noted.

As a forward-thinking telecommunications company, 9mobile remains committed to using its platform to foster an inclusive and respectful online community. The company continues to support initiatives that protect and educate users, ensuring safer and more enjoyable digital experiences for all.