The Nigerian Army has identified the responsible use of social media platforms as a major contributor to national security.
The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said this at the 44th edition of a social media seminar organised by the Army, in Owerri, on Thursday.
The seminar was themed: “Promoting a Culture of Security Awareness Through the Responsible Use of Social Media “.
Chibuisi said that the two-day seminar, targeted majorly at social media influencers, bloggers and young people, was aimed at proffering lasting solutions to security challenges posed by the irresponsible use of social media.
He urged youths to adopt patriotic use of social media channels and avoid the spread of fake news, hate speech and divisive content.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his visionary leadership and the provision of necessary resources for the conduct of the seminar.
“ The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and therefore urge us all to create a peaceful and secure nation where progress and prosperity can “, he said.
Speaking, the event’s Special Guest of Honour and Armoured Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, urged social media users to strive to be “ambassadors of unity and great online citizens with a passion for patriotism”.
He described Nigeria’s security as a “shared duty that requires active participation of all citizens now more than ever”.
Also, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Olatoye, advised Nigerians to actively get involved in the quest for lasting security.
He urged participants at the seminar to always report wrong activities to security agencies rather than peddling them on social media and sending out wrong narratives about the country.
A resource person, Prof. ‘Ehiz Odigie-Okpataku, advised young people to know the law, use the law and not be ignorant of the law as they use social media.
Our correspondent reports that the event was attended by representatives of security agencies in Imo, traditional and religious leaders as well as popular media influencers such as Mr Dike Osinachi (A.K.A Apama), and Nollywood actress, Mrs Joyce Kalu.