The Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts (NISMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalizing the digital communication space, while urging practitioners to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly for national development. This came during its latest induction ceremony, where new members were officially welcomed into the institute.
Delivering a welcome address on behalf of CSP Benjamin, Public Relations Officer (PRO), the Director of Studies at NISMA, Chris Kaka, described the occasion as a “milestone in the collective journey of professionalizing the social media space.” He emphasized that the event was not only a celebration of the new inductees but also a reminder of the collective duty to “shape the future of digital communication responsibly.”
According to him, the inductees are joining a professional family that is committed to driving responsible, intelligent, and impactful digital communication across corporate, governmental, and community platforms. “Today marks another step toward innovation, professionalism, and national impact,” he said.
Representing Assistant Inspector General of Police, Frank Mbah, the former Director at the National Assembly Service Commission, Omobolanle Ikpedin, highlighted the growing significance of AI in the social media landscape.
“Social media has grown from just a tool of entertainment to a strategic instrument of governance, corporate branding, national security, and social development,” Ikpedin noted. “At the center of this evolution lies artificial intelligence, a force that is transforming how organizations create content, analyze trends, engage consumers, and manage reputations.”
While acknowledging the risks of misinformation, ethical concerns, and accountability challenges, Ikpedin stressed the need for practitioners to embrace AI positively. “AI offers opportunities for safety, precision, efficiency, and predictive communication. But it depends on how we choose to apply it—whether for embarrassment or for improvement,” she cautioned.
She added that NISMA is preparing its members to lead in this digital transformation by equipping them with the right skills to responsibly apply AI in social media practice. “Today, you are not just joining an institution—you are becoming part of a movement. You are ambassadors of ethical and innovative AI application,” she declared.
The ceremony underscored NISMA’s vision to strengthen professionalism, discipline, and ethical standards in digital communication, while encouraging innovation and national impact.