Owerri: The Nigerian Army says the responsible use of social media platforms is a major contributor to national security and urges youths to be patriotic in handling the various media platforms. The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, emphasized this during the 44th edition of a social media seminar organized by the Army, in Owerri.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the seminar was themed: ‘Promoting a Culture of Security Awareness Through the Responsible Use of Social Media’. Chibuisi explained that the two-day seminar, primarily aimed at social media influencers, bloggers, and young people, sought to find lasting solutions to security challenges posed by the irresponsible use of social media. He encouraged youths to adopt a patriotic use of social media channels and to avoid spreading fake news, hate speech, and divisive content.
Chibuisi expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership and provision of necessary resources for the seminar. “The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and therefore urges us all to create a peaceful and secure nation where progress and prosperity can thrive,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Armoured Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, called upon social media users to become ‘ambassadors of unity and great online citizens with a passion for patriotism’. He highlighted that Nigeria’s security is a ‘shared duty that requires active participation of all citizens now more than ever’.
Additionally, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Olatoye, advised Nigerians to actively participate in the quest for lasting security. He urged seminar participants to report wrong activities to security agencies instead of spreading them on social media, which could lead to 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’ in their social media interactions. The event was attended by representatives of security agencies in Imo, traditional and religious leaders, as well as media influencers.