As DVC delivers keynote at Delta Social Media Summit 4.0
ASABA, DELTA STATE — The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Delta State University, Abraka, Engr. Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, FNSE, has challenged content creators, young entrepreneurs and other digital stakeholders in Delta State to move beyond entertainment and online popularity and harness social media as a powerful tool for economic development.
Owamah made the call on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Delta Social Media Summit, held at the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba.
The summit, which attracted digital media practitioners, content creators, entrepreneurs, government representatives and other stakeholders, was held under the theme: “From Content to Capital: Sell Delta, Build Delta, Sustain Delta.”
In his presentation, Owamah emphasised the need for Delta State to deliberately position itself within the emerging digital economy by leveraging education, research, digital skills, innovation and responsible content creation.
He noted that social media should no longer be viewed merely as a platform for entertainment, criticism and the pursuit of online popularity, but as a marketplace for ideas, products, services, tourism, culture, talents and investment opportunities.
According to him, content creators have a major role to play in shaping the image and economic prospects of Delta State. He urged them to identify distinctive niches, remain consistent and produce responsible content capable of adding genuine value to society.
The university don also called for the strategic promotion of the achievements of the Delta State Government and the positive contributions of individuals and organisations working to advance the State.
He, however, cautioned content creators against the deliberate circulation of false or unverified information for the purpose of gaining attention and trending online.
Owamah stressed that the pursuit of social media popularity should never be allowed to undermine truth, credibility, public peace and responsible citizenship.
Warning on AI Misuse
The keynote speaker also raised concerns over the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence, particularly for impersonation, manipulation and cybercrime.
He urged young people to deploy AI for learning, creativity, research, innovation and legitimate enterprise rather than using the technology to deceive members of the public or facilitate internet fraud.
Owamah equally appealed to young people who post nude photographs and sexually explicit videos solely to gain followers and online attention to reconsider such practices.
He warned that the temporary popularity generated by such content could have serious and lasting consequences for their personal lives, careers and reputations.
“The internet does not forget,” he cautioned, stressing the importance of building digital footprints that young people would be proud of in the future.
Turning Influence into Enterprise
Owamah challenged young Deltans to transform their creativity into businesses and their online visibility into sustainable economic value.
He urged content creators to use their platforms to tell positive stories about Delta State, promote local businesses, showcase the talents of Deltans and attract investors and tourists to the State.
He maintained that building a sustainable digital economy requires collaboration among government, educational institutions, the private sector and digital content creators.
According to him, improved digital infrastructure, relevant training, research commercialisation, access to funding and supportive government policies are essential to creating an inclusive digital economy capable of generating employment and improving livelihoods.
A Birthday with a Difference
The keynote address carried additional significance for Owamah as the event coincided with his 44th birthday and the 35th anniversary of the creation of Delta State.
He described the convergence of the two milestones as particularly meaningful, saying it deepened his gratitude to God and renewed his commitment to contributing to the development of Delta State.
Owamah expressed appreciation to the organisers of the Delta Social Media Summit, particularly Mr. Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State, for inviting him to deliver the keynote address and for sustaining the summit as an important platform for conversations around the digital future of the State.
He called on all stakeholders to embrace a shared responsibility for building a stronger and more prosperous Delta through responsible digital engagement.
“Together, let us sell Delta positively, build Delta collectively and sustain Delta responsibly,” he said.
