By Emmanuel Abi Couson
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has stated that the peace being enjoyed in Delta State is as a result of the collective cooperation and support of all to the Nigerian Army (NA).
He made this known while declaring open the 30th Edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Influencers Seminar today, Tuesday, 28 November 2023.
The seminar was organized by the Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs in collaboration with Ukan Kurugh Foundation, held at Platinum Banquet Place, Warri, Delta State with the theme “Countering the spread of decisive content on social media: a collective responsibility.”
Speaking further, the GOC, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the Seminar was targeted at improving the NA’s engagements with social media influencers, bloggers, media practitioners, youths as well as the general public.
He added that the NA 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, he said, underscores the reason why the NA conducts the seminar across selected locations in the country with the aim of inspiring, motivating, educating, and promoting its positive values.
Major General Abdussalam further urged participants to remain authentic, genuine, and true to the values of our founding father, adding that they must not abuse the privilege to positively influence and impact their audience for a collective good.
Earlier, while delivering the welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Cyril Ugbo noted that the Seminar provided a forum for social media influencers, bloggers and the populace in Warri and its environs to freely interact, rub minds, share ideas and discuss with the NA on ways of developing more secure, peaceful and harmonious society for our collective wellbeing and prosperity.
The CCMA further stated that nation building requires the inputs of all citizens just like provision of security, adding that joint responsibility also extends to actions and inactions of the society, especially in this information age, where technological advancements plays a significant role.
Relatedly, the Special Adviser, Media to the Delta State Governor, Mr Nelson Egware, stated that the NA is there for Nigerians and Nigerians are there for the NA. He further said the Delta State government has invested so much in social media in view of its significance in contemporary engagements.
He urged practitioners to always verify information before they are placed in the social media space. This he said will ensure peace in the nation and Delta State in particular.
Highpoint of the event were lecture presentations, interactive sessions, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.
