The Directorate Army Public Relations hosted a Social Media (SM) Awareness Campaign for members of the Nigerian Army at 6 Division Python Officers’ Mess at Port Harcourt Barracks in Rivers State,
Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, director of Army Public Relations, said the workshop, with the theme “Emergence of Citizen Journalism: Enhancing National Security and Cohesion via Responsible Media Reportage by NA Personnel,” was the third in a series.
In his welcome address, the Director, harped on the NA’s personnel’s inappropriate use of social media and its impact on national security, operational engagements, and the reputation of the Nigerian Army. He urged personnel to view themselves as the NA’s faces and image creators and urged them to refrain from any actions that would bring about an image or reputation issue for the organization they are supposed to represent.
Using strategic communication professionally will aid the NA in overcoming public backlash and reputational crises brought on by the careless use of the SM, he continued. Therefore, he urged the staff to exercise caution when using social media to promote the NA’s efforts to gain the public’s trust and respect.
Major General Olufemi Oluyede, General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, opened the training by urging participants to refrain from actions that would damage the Nigerian Army’s reputation.
The GOC urged personnel to engage in activities that will positively promote the NA’s image and to avoid any indulgences that might jeopardize the security of military operations. The GOC was represented by Brig Gen Emmanuel Echebuiwe, Director, 6 Division Education Services. He urged the army to use social media to its full potential to strengthen unity and national security.
Speaking on the topic of “Abuse of Social Media: Implications for the Image and Reputation of the NA,” Brig. Gen. Bobby Ugiagbe defined what he believes to be the components of SM abuse and informed the troops on what needed to be done to prevent such abuses. He advised them to profit from properly reviewing the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
In the same vein, Dr Olunifesi Suraj, an Associate Professor, instructed the audience on how to use SM platforms to improve operational security and advance the NA’s reputation while lecturing on the “Impact of Positive Use of Social Media on Image and Reputation of the NA.”
The event’s highlights were giving gifts to the GOC, resource people, and those who actively engaged in the interactive session.
