By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has convened the 42nd edition of its Social Media Seminar in Ibadan, Oyo State, underscoring its determination to promote responsible online engagement as a tool for safeguarding national security. The event, held under the theme “Promoting a Culture of Security Awareness Through the Responsible Use of Social Media”, attracted a diverse mix of participants including security agencies, media professionals, resource persons, students, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and representatives of the specially abled community.
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Lukman Omoniyi, said the initiative was a deliberate effort to enhance national security by encouraging the positive use of social media platforms. He commended Ibadan for its enduring historical role in promoting Nigeria’s unity and stability, describing the ancient city as a strategic partner in the collective quest for peace and security.
“The Nigerian Army recognises the influence of social media in shaping today’s security environment,” the COAS stated. “This seminar is part of our whole-of-society approach to achieving our constitutional mandate. I urge our youths to deploy their digital skills in ways that foster national development, rather than allowing these tools to be used for the spread of malicious content.”
In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Gold Chibuisi, explained that the seminar was designed to empower social media influencers, bloggers, students, and other stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to counter the dangers of misinformation, hate speech, and harmful online content. He warned that the repercussions of false information could be severe, citing a real-life incident in India where fake news instigated the lynching of an innocent person.
Major General Chibuisi reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security while ensuring open lines of communication with the public. He highlighted existing feedback channels such as the Army’s toll-free hotline (193), civil-military legal desks, and official social media handles as avenues for citizens to make complaints, provide information, and engage constructively with the military.
The seminar featured robust discussions and interactive sessions, enabling participants to explore practical strategies for fostering a safer and more informed digital environment. By the end of the programme, attendees pledged to use social media responsibly in accordance with the seminar’s theme, reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s message that collective vigilance and responsible communication are indispensable in building a more secure and united nation.
