Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Bloggers, media practitioners and social media influencers, have been cautioned against setting society on fire with their postings and social media contents in their desperation to generate traffic.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Enugu, Major Gen. H. T Dada, gave the advice while declaring open the 33rd edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar held for media practitioners, bloggers and social media influencers in Aba, Abia State.
He decried the harmful effects of fake news and offensive social media contents.
The GOC urged media practitioners and social media influencers to curtail negative posting in the interest of all.
He explained that the seminar was introduced and organised by the Nigerian Army “to provide a veritable platform to keep our youths abreast of its activities which are geared towards ensuring our national security.”
Gen. Dada urged social media influencers and content creators to use their media messages for development purposes and not to cause problem in society.
He said the seminar would serve as a forum to efficiently equip the youths in the state with the information required to guarantee a safe and secure society for all.
“It is also designed as a feedback mechanism to x-ray our operations for better service delivery to the people.”
The GOC expressed optimism that the outcome of the one-day seminar would assist “in consolidating our operational achievements and enhance the economic development of Abia in particular and the South-East region in general.”
In his remark, the Bridge Commander in charge of 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier Gen. Olusola Diya, noted that social media had their good sides, and urged that the merits of the platform be maximised for the good of all.
He also said that the social media could be used to bring to the attention of the military hierarchy, the misdeeds of some military personnel.
“Use your social media handle to report to the “nearest military establishment” about the excesses of some bad eggs among the military while on duty.
“Our names are on our uniform. Get the name of the erring soldier at the checkpoint. Get the name and the location, and send to us. We will take action immediately.
“We know of so many atrocities including extortions at the checkpoints. We need information and we will deal with the soldiers involved,” Gen. Diya said.
In a remark, Nollywood Star, Osita Iheme (a.k.a Papaw), advised social media influencers and content creators to restrict their posts to issues that would help promote peace and unity.
He noted with concern, that some businesses had been adversely affected due to harmful social media posts.
“Stop causing problems in society with your posts. Focus on your real life, don’t use social media to pull down the society.
Resource persons including Professor U. J Ogbonna of the Abia State University Uturu; and Dr Ehiz Odigie, were among those who delivered lectures at the seminar with the theme: “Enhancing National Security Through the Responsible Use of Social Media.”
