The Nigerian Army on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 held its 33rd edition of the social media seminar with the theme, “Enhancing National Security Through the Responsible Use of Social Media”.
Declaring the event open, at the GIA event centre Aba, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, Major General Hassan Dada, said the aim of the Seminar is targeted at ensuring the promotion of peace and a better society through the use of social media platforms.
He revealed that the programme discloses how harmful contents, and voice notes disseminated could pose a threat to the collective peace and co-existence of the nation while stressing the need to avoid fake news contents whose outcome can lead to serious warfare.
Dada used the forum to charge Nigerians to look at the positive side of the military in its efforts to ensure security in the country
The chief of civil military affairs, Army Headquarters, Major-General N.C. Ugbo, in his welcome address said the programme was organized to give participants the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with the Nigerian Army and for mutual understanding.
While speaking on the topic: Curtailing Negative Content on social media: Responsibilities of Users, Dr. Ehiz Odigie-Okpataku pointed out some factors that can trigger warnings of one’s media handles to include fake news, mis-tagging, distorted news as well as sensitive information and locations, clout chasing, viral and online stampede amongst others.
She however, advised that social media influencers should be remembered for their positive impacts, values, quality contents and perspectives, adding that legacy can be determined through blogging with empathy and awareness.
Prof J.U Ogbonna of the Abia State University Uturu who also lectured on the topic “Fake News on Social Media and its Effects on National Security said for the society and the new Abia to be actualized, the need to work in synergy with the Nigerian Army in enhancing national security through the responsible use of social media by providing them with useful and vital information is important.
The Commander, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brigadier General O.O Diya also advised Nigerians to use the social media for positive impacts and not to hit it with injurious information that will affect the society.
He further apologized for the reckless killing of a hotel staff by the military following the death of a cadet officer who allegedly drowned in a hotel swimming pool in Umuahia recently, adding that thorough investigation is ongoing and assured that once the investigation is done those culpable would be brought to book.
He maintained that they don’t support any form of molestation of civilians on any check-point, urging civilians to feel free to report any mistreatment at anyone on any check-point.
Contributing the Imo State born Nolleywood comic actor Osita Iheme also know as PawPaw who frowned at the rate some social media influencers use the platform to cause mayhem in the country, instead of using it to Inform, Educate and as well Entertain the public which it is meant for, called on them to utilise the platform adequately.
The event which attracted the presence of security agents in the country, Media Houses in the state, paper presentations, as well as Question and Answers Session, Awards, and certificates to participants of the programme.
