By Abraham Olatunbosun
The Directorate of Army Public Relations 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, which had its theme as “Emergence of Citizen Journalism: Enhancing National Security and Cohesion through Responsible Media Reportage by NA Personnel” was the third of its series.
Delivering his welcome address, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, harped on the indiscretional use of social media by personnel of the NA and its implication on national security, operational engagements and the reputation of the Nigerian Army.
He called on personnel to see themselves as the faces and image makers of the NA, charging them to avoid any act that could attract image and reputation crisis to the organisation, which they represent.
He added that professionally executed strategic communication will help the NA overcome public condemnation and reputational crises arising from ignorant use of the SM.
He therefore called on the personnel to be circumspect in the use of the social media to promote efforts of the NA 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 NA 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.
Speaking on “Abuse of Social Media: Implications for Image and Reputation of the NA, Brig Gen Bobby Ugiagbe identified what he considers as constituents of SM 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 SM platforms to enhance operational security and promote the image of the NA.
Highlights of the event were presentation of souvenirs to the GOC, Resource persons, as well as participants who keenly partook in the interactive session.
