In a significant address during the 30th Edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Influencers Seminar, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, attributed the prevailing peace in Delta State to the collective cooperation and support extended to the Nigerian Army (NA). The seminar, held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Platinum Banquet Place in Warri, Delta State, was organized by the Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs in collaboration with the Ukan Kurugh Foundation. The theme of the seminar was “Countering the Spread of Decisive Content on Social Media: A Collective Responsibility.”
Major General Abdussalam, serving as the Special Guest of Honour, emphasized that the peace in Delta State is a direct outcome of the collaboration and assistance received by the Nigerian Army from various quarters. He highlighted the positive impact of the media in shaping public opinion, influencing trends, and contributing significantly to improving security. The GOC underscored the importance of the seminar in enhancing the NA’s engagement with social media influencers, bloggers, media practitioners, youths, and the general public.
The General Officer Commanding encouraged participants to uphold authenticity, genuineness, and fidelity to the values of the nation’s founding fathers. He cautioned against abusing the privilege of influencing and impacting audiences, urging influencers to wield their influence responsibly for the collective good.
During the welcome address, Major General Cyril Ugbo, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), highlighted the significance of the seminar as a platform for social media influencers, bloggers, and the local populace to engage with the Nigerian Army. He stressed the importance of joint efforts in nation-building, stating that the responsibility for security and societal actions extends to every citizen, especially in the information age dominated by technological advancements.
In a related context, Mr. Nelson Egware, the Special Adviser, Media to the Delta State Governor, acknowledged the reciprocal relationship between the Nigerian Army and the citizens, expressing the Delta State government’s substantial investment in social media due to its contemporary significance. He urged media practitioners to verify information before disseminating it on social media platforms to ensure national and Delta State peace.
The seminar featured lecture presentations, interactive sessions, souvenir presentations, and group photographs, marking a highpoint in fostering collaboration between the Nigerian Army and social media influencers for the greater good of society.
