The Directorate of Army Public Relations has organised 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 “Emergence of Citizen Journalism:Enhancing National Security and Cohesion through Responsible Media Reportage by NA Personnel” was the third of its series.
Implication on National Security
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu emphasised 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 Nigerian Army while charging them to avoid any act that could attract reputation crisis to the organisation, which they represent.
The Director stated that professionally executed strategic communication would 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 NA in winning public confidence and respect for the organisation.
Image of the Nigerian Army
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.
General Oluyede who was represented by the Director, 6 Division Education Services, Brigadier General Emmanuel Echebuiwe called on personnel to engage in activities that would 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.
“Abuse of Social Media: Implications for Image and Reputation of the NA, Brigadier General Bobby Ugiagbe identified what he considers as constituents of Social Media abuse and enlightened the troops on necessary steps to prevent such abuses,” he stated.
He encouraged them to carefully study the Armed Forces Social Media Policy for their benefit.
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 was presentation of souvenirs to the GOC, Resource persons as participants keenly partook in the interactive session.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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