The Chief of Military Affairs, Army Headquarters, Maj. Gen. NC Ugbo has advised actors in the social media space to be circumspect and double-check the information or content they share on social media platforms.
The Nigerian Army gave the advice at the 30th edition of the Social Media Influencers seminar held in collaboration with the Ukan Kurugh Foundation.
He said, “The information we share on social media platforms has far-reaching effects in shaping the perceptions, opinions and reactions of people.”
Maj. Gen. Ugbo said challenged social media influencers and media practitioners to be mindful of the authenticity of the content they share.
He said, “This will go a long way in contributing to the collective desire for peace and security across the country.”
On his part, Maj. Gen. JH Abdulsalam said the relative peace being witnessed in Delta State is a result of the cooperation and support of stakeholders to the Nigerian Army.
He noted the roles of the people as partners towards achieving its objectives of ensuring peace, security and socioeconomic development in the country.
“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.”
According to Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam, “The Nigerian Army recognizes 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 rumours, fake news, misinformation and divisive/injurious content.
“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 secure and safer Nigeria.
The theme for the seminar is, “Countering the Spread of Divisive Contents on Social Media: A Collective Responsibility”.
