Benjamin Afuga’s Journey as a Social Media Influencer

Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in Honiara, Solomon Islands, inspires young people to leverage social media for positive change.

As the founder and chief administrator of the Yumi Toktok Forum, Afuga’s journey from a passionate young man to a leading social media influencer showcases the potential for individuals to shape their communities using digital platforms.

Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in the Solomon Islands

Afuga’s early life was deeply rooted in the rich culture and supportive community of the Solomon Islands. Influenced by the teachings of his parents, the church, family, friends, and the local community, he developed a passion for humanity and community engagement that set the stage for his future endeavors.

“My journey into social media began with a desire to promote and share our wealth, unique culture, and voice with a wider audience. I realized the power of social media as a tool for positive change and connection, and this realization became the foundation of my journey,” he said.

A significant milestone in Afuga’s life was his involvement with Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) in 2013, followed by the establishment of Yumi Toktok Forum (YTTF) in 2017. These platforms, initially created for discussion, quickly evolved into powerful spaces for community engagement and youth empowerment.

Afuga’s intention with Yumi Toktok Forum is to create more opportunities for young people to participate in meaningful dialogue and action, fostering skills to help them lead and innovate in their communities.

“Seeing the impact of our discussions and the way they brought people together was incredibly inspiring. A key moment was realizing that social media could be harnessed for positive change, amplifying voices that were previously unheard.”

Growing up, Afuga did not have specific big dreams but aspired to succeed as a school teacher. However, his ambitions grew as he pursued a meaningful impact in his community and country. His role with Yumi Toktok Forum has allowed him to realize these aspirations in unexpected and rewarding ways.

“It has been a rewarding journey to see how Yumi Toktok Forum has become a space for continuous discourse, growth, and empowerment among Solomon Islands citizens,” he reflects.

In recognition of his work, Afuga has been engaged by various groups and individuals for different projects. Currently, he is part of a research team with academics from Fiji and Samoa, focusing on "Social Media, Human Rights, and Democracy in the Pacific. This research aims to present comprehensive findings on social media usage and its implications for human rights and democracy in the region.

As an experienced social media influencer, Afuga identifies several challenges that young people in the Solomon Islands will face in the coming years, including economic uncertainty, limited access to education, unemployment, and a rapidly changing digital landscape.

He believes social media platforms can be crucial in addressing these challenges by providing access to information, fostering community support, and creating platforms for advocacy and change.

“Youths need to focus on using these tools to build resilience, share resources, and drive positive change,” he advises.

He strongly encourages young people in the Solomon Islands to be proactive and use their voices and actions wisely to advocate for positive change.

“Engage with your community, leverage social media to raise awareness, and collaborate with others to address local issues. Your unique perspective and efforts can significantly impact, so stay committed, be resourceful, and remain passionate about making a difference.”

Moving forward, Afuga aspires to continue advocating for establishing a standalone cyber law regulating social media use. Unregulated social media usage risks highlight the need for a law that ensures safe and responsible use, protecting individuals and communities from potential harm.