The Directorate of Army Public Relations on Monday organized a Social Media (SM) Awareness Campaign for personnel of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army at the Python Officers’ Mess, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State.
The workshop, with the theme “Emergence of Citizen Journalism: Enhancing National Security and Cohesion through Responsible Media Reportage by Nigerian Army Personnel” was the third of its series.
Delivering his welcome address, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu harped on the illegitimate use of social media by personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA) and its implication on national security, operational engagements and the reputation of the Army.
Onyema called on personnel to see themselves as the faces and image makers of the Army.
He also charged them to avoid any act that could attract image and reputation crisis to the organisation, which they represent.
The spokesman further added that professionally inclined strategic communication will help the Army overcome public condemnation and reputational crises arising from ignorant use of the social media.
He therefore called on the personnel to be circumspect in the use of the social media to promote efforts of the Army in winning public confidence and respect for the organisation.
Declaring the workshop open, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Olufemi Oluyede urged personnel to desist from acts capable of bringing the image of the Nigerian Army to disrepute.
Represented by the Director, 6 Division Education Services, Brig Gen Emmanuel Echebuiwe, the GOC called on personnel to engage in activities that will positively project the image of the Army and shun all forms of indulgence that could compromise security of military operations.
He urged the troops to take advantage provided by the social media to enhance national security and cohesion.
Delivering a paper titled “Abuse of Social Media: Implications for Image and Reputation of the Nigerian Army” Brig Gen Bobby Ugiagbe identified what he considers as constituents of social media abuse and enlightened the troops on necessary steps to prevent such abuses.
He encouraged them to carefully study the Armed Forces Social Media Policy for their benefit.
In the same vein, while speaking on “Impact of Positive Use of Social Media on Image and Reputation of the NA”, Dr. Olunifesi Suraj, an Associate Professor, tutored the participants on how best to use social media platforms to enhance operational security and promote the image of the Nigerian Army.
Highlights of the event were presentation of souvenirs to the General Officer Commanding, resource persons, as well as participants.
