DailyLegendng
The Nigerian Army has tasked its personnel on the discretional use of social media, its implication on national security, operational engagements and the reputation of the Nigerian army.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu made the call at the Social Media (SM) Awareness Campaign for personnel of 6 Division Nigerian Army on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
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.
Nwachukwu called on personnel to see themselves as the faces and image makers of the Nigerian army, 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 would help the army to overcome public condemnation and reputational crises arising from ignorant use of the social media.
Army spokesman therefore called on the personnel to be circumspect in the use of the social media to promote efforts of the service in winning public confidence and respect.
Declaring the workshop open, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede urged personnel to desist from acts capable of bringing the image of the Nigerian army to disrepute.
Oluyede, who was represented by the Director, 6 Division Education Services, Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Echebuiwe, called on personnel to engage in activities that would positively project the image of the army and shun all forms of indulgence that could compromise 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 Nigerian army, Brig.-Gen. Bobby Ugiagbe, identified what he considers as constituents of social media abuse.
Ugiagbe enlightened the troops on necessary steps to prevent such abuses and encouraged them to carefully study the Armed Forces Social Media Policy for their benefit.
Also, while speaking on “Impact of Positive Use of Social Media on Image and Reputation of the Nigerian Army”, 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 army.
Highlights of the event were presentation of souvenirs to the GOC, Resource persons, as well as participants who keenly partook in the interactive session. DailyLegendng