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Convener, BODEX HUNGO Explains
In Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population falls between the ages of 18 and 35, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for economic growth, self-development, and social advancement. Yet, while social media can be a force for good, its misuse has contributed to challenges such as cybercrime, misinformation, online harassment, and social division. Recognizing this dual nature, there has been a growing call to leverage social media for nation-building. Collaboration with international stakeholders, particularly from the United Kingdom, whose citizens have long used social media to advance national and social causes, has become essential to educate Nigerians on using digital platforms for positive impact.
It is within this context that the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) has gained prominence. BSMH is an esteemed, award-winning media talk-shop that fosters strategic engagement among social media users, professionals, and stakeholders committed to making positive impacts across platforms. Over the years, BSMH has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between social media users and the professional world, while aligning with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3). The initiative focuses on well-being, social good, promotion of culture and tradition, and the ethical use of digital tools, encouraging a generation of digital citizens who are conscious of their influence and responsibility.
The brain behind BSMH, Bodex, is a dynamic media entrepreneur, strategist, and go-getter whose career has been defined by perseverance and innovation. She is widely recognized for her ability to create platforms that merge media influence with social responsibility. Over the years, Bodex has established multiple successful enterprises including Godex Media, Godex Logistics, Godex House, and Godex Beauty. Her work reflects a commitment to excellence, ethical leadership, and the empowerment of young people. Known for her resilience and creative vision, Bodex has consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate complex media landscapes, secure partnerships, and inspire collaboration across industries. Her reputation as a trustworthy and forward-thinking media professional has made her a sought-after figure in both national and international circles.
Through BSMH, Bodex has built a platform that actively raises awareness on pressing digital issues such as cybercrime, cybersecurity, cyberbullying, blackmailing, fake news, hate speech, mental health threats, and other challenges associated with online activity. The platform not only identifies these issues but also crowdsources practical solutions, giving participants actionable tools to combat them. By providing a safe and structured environment, BSMH encourages influencers, content creators, and professionals from diverse countries, states, tribes, and religions to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. Its Influencers Hub serves as a nexus for future projects, partnerships, and creative initiatives, fostering a sense of community that bridges gaps across cultures and industries.
In addition to digital engagement, BSMH places great emphasis on physical networking and relationship-building. The platform has facilitated connections among social media users, industry stakeholders, tourists, and visitors from different regions and countries. This has resulted in increased cultural exchanges, tourism, and revenue generation. By highlighting local talents and businesses, BSMH draws attention from investors and stakeholders, driving economic growth, job creation, and coexistence between users and stakeholders.
The initiative also provides strategic visibility for stakeholders and social media influencers alike. During BSMH events, media partners, including influencers and television stations, go live across their platforms to showcase the essence of the hangout. They influence products to existing and potential customers, extend their reach to diasporas, and reinforce the value of social media for social good. At a time when online harassment, scams, radicalization, privacy concerns, bias, cultural stereotyping, lack of cross-cultural understanding, digital illiteracy, hate speech, blackmail, and cyberbullying are rampant, such interventions are increasingly critical. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has highlighted a sharp increase in cases of online harassment and hate speech, affecting over 60% of Nigerians.
At the Bodex 6.0 edition, Bodex shared her reflections on the journey and growth of the hangout over the years. When asked about the experience of organizing six editions, she said, “Well, I think I’m just a go-getter and I don’t like giving up. And impossible is actually not in my dictionary. So, it has been challenging actually, especially when it comes to sponsorship and all that. But like I told you, I’m a go-getter. I don’t give up. I like to follow through whatever I’m doing. I think that’s what has been sustaining us. And goodwill from people like City People, my boss and all that. They’re always there to support me. So, I think basically that’s just it.”
On what inspired her to start BSMH, she explained, “Over time, we’ve had this bridge between the media industry and the stakeholders because of fake deals, carrying what you’re not supposed to carry and all that. So, if you notice, a lot of the stakeholders don’t want to have anything to do with the media industry. And since I run one of the major reputable platforms in Nigeria, I thought I can use my platform to break the bridge between these two people so we can actually coexist.”
Discussing the impact of the hangout, she said, “Of course, we’ve seen the impact. That’s why we have everybody coming every year because they want to keep learning, they want to keep evolving, they want to keep advancing. We now see even some of the students that we’ve trained go back to their own schools to train on what we’ve trained them. They change continuously. Yeah, so there’s been great impact actually.”
Bodex also described how the event evolved over the years. “From the first to the fifth edition, we felt we had not really been carrying students along, and even the corporate world in general, because we were doing one day and in that one day it was usually choked up. So we said this year, let’s get everybody involved. If you want change to come, you need to take it to everyone, not to some limited people. So we did Friday as school day for competitions, quiz, debate, media masterclasses and all that. Then on Saturday, it’s for spokespersons to the president, to the government. A lot of them still don’t know how to be social in news dissemination. We also have corporate communicators and influencers. On the third day, we said since we’ve done a lot of talking on the first and second day, let’s come on Saturday to relax. And I wanted people who are using social media for social good, for self-development and also in media. That’s how we came up with three days.”
On whether AI could replace journalism, Bodex was firm: “No, AI cannot take away journalism. For instance, you’re here now interviewing me one-on-one. AI cannot come here to ask me. The major thing AI is good for is admin. Instead of you scratching your head to get details, just put it on AI and it brings you first-hand information. AI is extremely good for administrating, but not impressing. Even if they start using AI for medical doctors, they’re not going to perform the surgery. They will just guide you with words and you still have to carry it out.”
She also addressed the problem of influencers creating controversial content simply for clicks. “It won’t take us anywhere, but at the same time, you won’t blame them. It’s because they don’t have the proper information on how well to use it. That’s why we started this platform and several other platforms to educate them. By the third year of doing more of this event and having an idea how it’s meant to be used, I’m sure everybody will start putting out the right content.”
When asked about managing her multiple ventures, she said, “Well, maybe because I’m a go-getter and I love to work a lot, I’m just using my media strength to sell to other companies. It’s simple.”
Beyond her businesses, Bodex sees BSMH as a critical tool for shaping the next generation of digital citizens. Through workshops, debates, quizzes, and masterclasses, students, influencers, corporate communicators, and government representatives learn the ethical and strategic use of social media. Participants are equipped with skills to use platforms for personal growth, business promotion, cultural preservation, social advocacy, and mental well-being. The event has grown into a three-day celebration of learning, networking, and engagement, with Friday dedicated to students, Saturday to professionals and government representatives, and the final day celebrating social media users who have applied their skills for positive social impact.
BSMH has become a model for how media can drive change. It demonstrates that digital platforms, when properly leveraged, can educate, inform, and unite. By providing tools, guidance, and platforms for collaboration, Bodex is ensuring that Nigerian youths and professionals can compete on an international scale while making meaningful contributions at home.
In six years, Bodex Social Media Hangout has transformed from a small idea into a robust platform for learning, engagement, and ethical social media use. Bodex, the convener, continues to be the driving force behind this initiative, inspiring a generation of users, influencers, and stakeholders to harness the power of social media for social good. From bridging gaps between the media and stakeholders to creating opportunities for international collaboration, BSMH has proven that with determination, vision, and collaboration, social media can be a transformative tool in Nigeria and beyond.
By Benprince Ezeh
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