The Nigerian Army has organised 2023 its 28th edition seminar for social media influencers to enhance civil-military relations in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state.
The seminar that was held at the Saffar Conference Center in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital with the theme ‘Social Media as an Effective Tool for Enhancing Civil-Military Relations’ was organised in collaboration with the Ukan Kurugh Foundation in the state.
It was organised to bridge the gap between the military and civil society and to enlighten the participants on the civil-military cooperation activities and projects undertaken by the Nigerian Army in the Northwest states.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Godwin Mutkut stated that the Seminar was in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taured Lagbaja’s Command Philosophy which is to “Transform Nigerian Army into a well- trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving constitutional responsibilities within a joined environment.
The GOC who was represented by the Chief of Staff 8 Division, Brigadier General SS Ahmed further stated that social media are the platform commonly used in the 21st century and the Military has keyed into the use of social media platforms to enlighten society on the activities of the military.
He reiterated that the Seminar was organized for the youths, online bloggers and other content creators to put national interests above other interests when creating content on any social media platforms.
He, therefore, thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for ensuring that the social media influencers seminar is sustained.
Earlier on, the Director of Psychological Operations (Psyops) Brigadier General BS Keji of the Department of Civil Military Affairs Nigerian Army commended the Kebbi state social media Influencers who came out to grace the seminar.
He then called on the social media influencers to continue to partner and promote the Nigerian military in their various ways.
Keji further motivated the youths, online bloggers, and content creators to note that the Nigerian military belongs to them and the society and urged them on the need to own and defend their military always.
He further urged the participants to always verify news on the Nigerian Army from the appropriate social media handles before posting or sharing on any social media platforms.
The seminar was attended by the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Commissioner for Youth and Development, HRH Emir of Gwandu, Commanding Officer, Officers and men of 1 Battalion Birnin Kebbi.
Others were heads and members of various security agencies, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), online bloggers, content creators and other civil society groups in Birnin Kebbi.
Highlights of the events were the presentation of two papers titled ‘The Role of Social Media Influencers in Strengthening Civil-Military Relations’ and the second paper was ‘Mitigating the Effect of Fake News and Disinformation: The Place of Social Media Influencers’.
Interactive session with the participants and presentation of souvenirs and certificates to guests and participants.
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