The Nigeria Army 7th edition of Social Media Influencers Seminar with the theme, “The Role of Social Media in aid of Nigerian Army’s Non-Kinetic Tools for Enhancement of Peace and Security in Nigeria” held in Lagos.
The one-day event was organised by the Department of Civil Military Affairs of the Nigeria Army Headquarters in conjunction with Security Affairs Ltd.
Journalists, bloggers, and stakeholders were enjoined to report accurate news and not mislead people.
Addressing journalists and bloggers, the head of Department Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) Major General U. S Mohammed, said that the expected role of the Nigeria Army with the support from other paramilitary bodies in fighting insurgency in the country is not given a fair reportage.
“We acknowledge the fact that you all have very vital roles to play in the development of peace and security in this country. It is very obvious that what you say, the way you say it and how it spreads have far-reaching effects than most of us are aware,” he said.
Mohammed urged everyone to use the media power to positively influence the security architecture of this nation with the right desire, particularly with the dominance of fake news and hate speeches.
He said that the Nigerian army was always committed to peace and security and ever ready to carry out its constitutionally assigned responsibility.
Civil-Military Affairs is responsible for the projection of a positive image of the Nigeria Army. Social media influencers were also appealed to, to proffer ways in helping the military in having good interactions and cordial relationship with the citizens.
According to him, the army is doing a lot through the Department of Civil-Military Affairs which many are unaware of in winning the hearts of the populace.
Also speaking at the event, Colonel Ola Majeoyegbe (rtd) said that no army can be successful in battle if it didn’t have the support of the civil populace.
In his words, “If you support the army, it will perform very well but if you don’t support it, it is not likely to win any battle.”
As a result, he called on Nigerians to support the soldiers so that they can fight, knowing that the people they defend support them.
During the course of the discussion, the public was warned not to confront any officer carrying a weapon as their orientation is that of shoot at sight.
In attendance were Major General Usman Sheu Mohammed, Nigerian Army Chief of Civil-Military Affairs; Brigadier General A A Goni, Nigerian Army Director of Information Management Department of Civil Military Affairs; Brigadier General Abdullahi, DHQ, Abuja and Brigadier General Adeniyi, Director PSYOPS, DMCA, NA.
