By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
Social media users and practitioners has lauded the laudable strategic policies employed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, in curbing and curtailing the prevalence of fake news against the Nigerian army and its operations in the country that was recently suffered a rape untold.
They handed down the commendations during its 10th edition of the Seminar on the Nigerian Army Social Media titled: Evolving Role of the Social Media in Support of the Nigerian Army’s Non Kinetic Line of Operations which is ongoing in Osogbo, the Osun state capital capital city.
This was contained in a statement officially signed and released to Enugu Reporters by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations,2 Division Nigerian Army, Col. Hassan Ifijeh Mohammed on Monday.
Col Mohammed noted that the group presented its full of praises for the Chief of Army Staff’s giant strides at curbing fake news about the Nigerian Army and its operations.
According to him, “the forum provided opportunity for social media practitioners/users and personnel of the Nigerian Army to interact and brainstorm on the evolving role of the Social media in support of the Nigerian Army’s non kinetic line of operations.
While delivering his remarks, the Executive Governor of Osun state, Adeboyega Oyetola expressed confidence in the Leadership of the Nigerian Army and the Army in restoring peace in the troubling parts if the country.
“With this seminar, the Nigerian Army has proved beyond a doubt that it recognises the need for a holistic method to restore peace and security to the nation.
The Governor who was the Special Guest of Honour further said, “the non-conventional and militia nature of the nation’s raging insecurity makes collaboration between the military and the civilian expedient, especially in a world heavily driven by technology”.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Army Staff ,Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Army, Lt Gen Lamidi Oyebayo Adeosun said, “the development of any society to a large extent depends on the degree of the security of lives and properties of its citizens.
“A secured atmosphere will encourage intellectual minds who will be a great asset to Nation building; it will also guarantee an environment for the growth of infrastructural development.
“Information and communication will play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s National security against potential future attacks.
“Social Media have become popular and veritable for communication at both individual and group levels, share information more readily, develop response capabilities and promotes engagement and collaboration.
“Although Nigerian Army has taken giant strides in the last four years to settle insecurity issues through combat approach.
“The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai identify the vital role of social media in deepening Nigerian Army civil military cooperation posture, bridging gap between the institution and the civil populace and curbing the menace of fake news syndrome.
“The Nigerian Army under the present leadership of Lt Gen Tukur Burutai, has showed high level of commitment, dedication, preparedness and above all resolve to route out the menace of fake news in order to strengthening the nation’s national security in the media platform.
“Current and potential adversaries constantly look for areas or posts to discredit national armed forces.
The COAS has therefore taken measures necessary to prevent such adversaries from obtaining information of operational security value by training and retraining of personnel on the use of social media, development of response capacity, engagement, information sharing and collaboration.
“The creation of strategic narratives is very core to the military online social media platforms users.
“The battle of narratives is a bedrock in winning the fight against insurgents. Social Media is a powerful tool to fight this battle. It is a force multiplier and an enabler to engage in ways unseen before.
“Propaganda”psy-ops” shape opinions and influence outcomes. Social Media has enormous role to play in enhancing military operations.
“Social networking, blog, wiki, podcast, forum, content community and micro- blogging are all social media.
The Chief of Civil Military Affiars, Army, Maj Gen HI Bature led the Civil Military Affairs personnel and consultants to the Seminar,His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola who was the Special Guest of Honour including, His Royal Majesty, Aafin Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Adekunle, Makama Oyelude Tegbosun III, senior military officers, both serving and retired, among others were present at the seminar.
