By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter
Myk Berewa, the Director of Communications, has outlined the purpose behind the visit of popular Nigerian influencer Jadrolita, known as Javis, to schools in Sierra Leone. The initiative aims to inspire children positively and combat negative social media behaviors.
In response to circulating rumors, Berewa clarified that Javis was neither invited by the Sierra Leone government nor compensated with the reported $52,000 for her school tour. “Jadrolita, also known as Javis, wasn’t invited by the Sierra Leone government nor paid $52,000 for a school tour. Be cautious—social media often showcases things done merely for likes and attention,” he cautioned.
Berewa urged the public to be vigilant about misinformation, stating, “Some things are done merely for likes and attention.” He expressed concern over the growing toxicity of social media in the nation, emphasizing the importance of guiding the younger generation constructively.
The decision to invite Javis stemmed from a survey indicating her relatability as a school-age teen and her status as one of the world’s most followed influencers. Her inspiring personal journey, including her previous surgery to remove a facial tumor, played a crucial role in her selection. “Javis has used social media to promote her education, support her family, and better herself. This is the kind of constructive use of digital platforms that we wish to encourage among young people in Sierra Leone,” he added.
When questioned about the absence of local influencers in the initiative, Berewa stated that considerations of impact, reach, and relevance guided their choice. “We are not saying our local talents are not good. In fact, we have many who are more talented than Javis. But we must look at what resonates with teens right now, and she does,” he remarked.
During her visit, Javis is also expected to conduct masterclasses with TikTok influencers, focusing on media literacy, digital responsibility, and content creation.
Berewa highlighted the negative portrayal of Sierra Leone on the internet, noting that searches related to the country often return unfavorable content due to social media’s algorithm-driven nature. “When you search for Sierra Leone, the majority of the results are negative. Our goal is to change that narrative,” he stated.
He encouraged the community to support the initiative of bringing Javis to Sierra Leone, asserting that anyone capable of motivating and inspiring young people should be welcomed, regardless of their origin.
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