From Ben Dunno, Warri
The Nigerian Army has canvassed the need for an objective self censored social media content from the civilian population, as a way of promoting core values that would place national interest above religion, ethic or political sentiments, in order to foster peaceful coexistence across the country.
Making the appeal in a speech delivered at 30th edition of social media influencers seminar held in collaboration with Ukan Kurugh Foundation in Effurun, Special Guest of Honour, Maj Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, And Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe, noted that a lot can be achieved through genuine patriotism.
He disclosed that the relative peace witnessed in Delta state was as a result of the cooperation and support of the stakeholders to the Nigerian Army, adding that this can further be complemented when all the stakeholders join hands together and placed topmost priority on national interest.
While stating that the roles of the people as partners towards achieving its objectives of ensuring peace, security and socio-economic development in the country can not be emphasised, General Abdulsalam, pointed out that the task of sustaining peaceful coexistence across the country remains paramount.
According to him; “This Seminar therefore, is targeted at improving the Nigerian Army’s engagements with social media influencers, bloggers, media practitioners, youths as well as the general public.
“The Seminar also seeks to improve the already existing relationship between the Nigerian Army and other stakeholders in the security sector.”
Continuing; “The Nigerian Army recognises the positive impact of the media in shaping people’s perspective, influences trends, and serves as a powerful tool that contributes towards improving security.
“This underscores the reason why the Nigerian Army conducts the social media influencers’ Seminars across selected locations of the country with the aim of inspiring, motivating, educating and promoting its positive values.
“It is therefore important for every youth or influencer on any social media handle/platform or page to remain focused, patriotic and responsible. This can only be achieved by avoiding the spread of rumour, fake news, misinformation as well as divisive/injurious contents.
“This requirement underscores the importance of the theme of this Seminar which is “Countering the Spread of Divisive Contents on Social Media: A Collective Responsibility”.
He said the seminar is targeted at improving the Nigerian Army’s engagements with social media influencers, bloggers, media practitioners, youths as well as the general public.
He stressed that,”The Seminar also seeks to improve the already existing relationship between the Nigerian Army and other stakeholders in the security sector.”
Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam assured the audience that the Nigerian Army will remain committed to building a more secured and safer Nigeria.
In his own remark, The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Cyril Ugbo said Stakeholders in the social media space must be circumspect by ensuring they behave responsibly and double check information/contents they share on social media platforms.
The Nigerian Army made the call at the 30th edition of the 30th edition of the Social Media Influencers seminar held in collaboration with the Ukan Kurugh Foundation.
He said,”The information we share on the social media platforms has far reaching effects in shaping the perceptions, opinions and reactions of people.”
Maj. Gen. Ugbo said it is for the social media influencers and other media practitioners to be mindful of the authenticity of the contents they shared.
According to him,”This will go a long way in contributing to our collective desires for peace and security across the country.”
He assured that the Nigerian Army will strive to harness the potentials to achieve a positive outcome towards the conducts of its operations.
Speaking at the occasion, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta state Governor on Online Media, Comrade Nelson Egware, applauded the Nigerian Army and its partner for the timeliness in organising such an event, noting the significant role of the social media in nation building.
He stated that it was based on the importance attached to social media content that prompted the engagement of Online media aides by successive governments in the state, adding that Delta state can boost of having the highest number of Online media aides in the country.
The theme for the seminar is,”Countering the spread of Divisive contents on social media: A collective responsibility”.
Dr. Ehiz Odigie, Executive Director, Steady Hope Support Initiative (A general & Mental Health Awareness & Support Charity) delivered the first lecture titled; Improving Our Collective Security: The Role Of Social Media Influencers, while Mrs. Elohor Toje, delivered the second lecture titled; Understanding Social Media And Its Impact.