Journal VOL. 2 NO. 2, September. 2021, ISSN: 2811 - 2628
Evaluation of Social Media as a Tool Enabler for Smart City Development - A Study of Selected Local Governments in Lagos- Nigeria
Ajayi Omolara, Odefadehan Tayo Christian
ABSTRACT
Social media can be regarded as enablers of social interaction in a way that defies the isolation that tends to characterise many urbanised societies or ways of living. Specifically, the tools available to this end include platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. These tools are required and important towards an enhancement in the communication system and quicker way of making provision for rendering services as an idea and innovation towards becoming a smart city. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prospects of integrating social media tools into the strategic communication required for the development of Lagos smart city. This is achieved through a survey research design, where structured interview questions are used to collect data from the public servants. Eight (8) local government were randomly selected for this study out of the thirty seven (37) local government in Lagos State in order to explore the approach of social media and its connection with its impacts on Lagos smart city vision. The findings after a content analysis shows that some communities have strategy and plan towards using the social media technology to improve and enhance the relationship and interaction with the citizenry. Most communities in the local government are using these social media tools without any structure or strategy being put in place towards the development of Lagos smart city. The study recommends a more consistent, deliberate and practical moves by the local governments working with media expertise to realize the dream of Lagos smart city.
Keywords: Smart-City, Smart-People, Social-Media, Community-Manager, Communication.
Download the full text uploaded