Nigerian Army holds the 28th Edition of Social Media Influencers Seminar with the theme “Social Media as an Effective Tool for Enhancing Civil – Military Relations” which was organized in conjuction with the Ukan Kurugh Foundation on 24 August 2023 at the Saffar Conference Center Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state. The Seminar was organized to bridge the gap between the Military and the 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 Honor the General Officer Commanding (GOC)8 Division Nigerian Army, 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 our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
The GOC was represented by the Chief of Staff 8 Division, Brigadier General SS Ahmed further stated that the social media is the platform commonly used in the 21st century and the Military has keyed into the use of social media to enlighten the 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 Interest above other interests when creating contents on any social media platforms. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for ensuring that the social media influencers seminar is sustained.
Earlier in his opening remarks, 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 seminar. He called on social media influencers to continue to partner and promote the Nigerian Military in their various ways.
Gen Keji further charged the youths, online Bloggers, content creators that the Nigerian Military belongs to them, the society and 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, Officer and men of 1 Battalion Birnin Kebbi. Others are heads and members of various security agencies, members of National Youth Service Corps, Online Bloggers, Content Creators and other civil society groups in Birnin Kebbi.
Highpoints of the events were the presentation of 2 papers titled “The Role of Social Media Influencers in Strengthening Civil Military Relations” and the second paper “Mitigating the Effect of Fake News and Disinformation: The Place of Social Media Influencers”. Interractive Session with the participants and presentation of Souvenir and Certificates to Invited Guest and participants.