Nigerian Army holds social media seminar in Aba

By Joe Udo

The Nigeria Army, through the Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs, has enjoined all social media users to consider enhancing national security while conducting their social media activities.

The Special Guest of Honour, General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Joint Task Force South East Operations UDOKA, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada gave the opening remark at the 33rd edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar held for social media influencers, content creators, online media practitioners, bloggers and youths in Aba and environ of Abia State

Major General Dada stressed the effects of the negative use of social media on national security. He enjoined all social media users to avoid spreading fake news and divisive content. In his words, the Seminar is “to provide a veritable platform to keep our youths abreast of the Nigerian Army activities which are geared towards ensuring a safer environment for development to thrive.”

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Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Psychological Operations, Department of Civil Military Affairs, Brigadier General Bola Saheed Keji, stressed that the seminar is aimed at interfacing with social media influencers, bloggers youths and content creators, with a view to using their social media platforms to support efforts of the Nigerian Army and also promote National Security.

He reiterated that the 33rd Edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Aba with the theme ‘Enhancing National Security through the Responsible Use of Social Media’ is aimed at enhancing the good relationship between the Nigerian Army and the populace. He called on the participants to use the various handles in educating their followers.

A veteran Nollywood actor, Mr Osita Iheme, also known as Pawpaw, urged Abians to make maximum use of the golden opportunity at their disposal and utilise it greatly rather than abusing it.

Stressing that Abians should support the military efforts in bringing peace to the region for development to thrive.

Two resource persons delivered papers. The first was titled Curtailing Negative Content on Social Media: responsibilities of Users by Dr Ehiz Odigie, and the second was by Professor Joshua Ogbonna titled: Fake News on Social Media and its Effects on National Security. An interactive session coordinated by Lieutenant Colonel OI Kolawole to throw more light on the two papers with questions, answers and contributions added colour to the seminar which brought over three hundred media influencers together to clarify issues around the Nigerian Army Activities.

Dignitaries during the seminar are; Dean Combat Support Arms and Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre Abuja, Major General TT Numbere, Commander 14 Brigade Brigadier General OO Diya, Commandant Nigerian Navy College of Account and Finance Navy Captain OA Eyitayo, heads of other security agencies, invited guests and participants drawn from Abia State.

The seminar climaxed with the presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries that graced the occasion, and media influencers who distinguished themselves were recognised and group photographed.