THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS A STUDY OF AHIAZU MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS A STUDY OF AHIAZU MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT

This study explored the role of social media in the communication management of local governments with Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area as case study. Social media is changing the world in which we work and govern. From twitter to eBay, Facebook to you Tube, new tools are emerging every year that place the connecting power of the internet in the hands of everybody. But inspite of these development, there is still low appreciation and application of social media in local government in Nigeria particularly in Ahiazu Local Government Area. The study adopted the survey research method which involves the use of questionnaire and interview. Data gotten from the field survey was analyzed in frequencies and percentages while the hypotheses postulated was tested using the sample proportion statistic. All of the alternative hypothesis of the four hypotheses were all accepted. Findings revealed among other things that there is positive correlation between level of education and social media communication in the rural communities. Finally, it was recommended that Government should embark on compulsory electrification of the rural areas. There should be mass awareness of the ruralites as an important condition for social media communication and that the ruralites should be encouraged to open email accounts to be used so as to encourage social media.