Security: Army trains digital citizens in Zamfara

Security: Army trains digital citizens in Zamfara

Seminar

By Ishaq Zaki

Gusau, June. 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has organised a one-day seminar for social media handlers, bloggers and influencers in Zamfara to enhance national security through responsive use.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 34th edition of the seminar was held in Gusau and was tagged “Enhancing National Security through the Responsible Use of Social Media”.

Declaring the seminar open, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, General Officer Commander, 8 Division, said it was part of the Nigerian Army’s engagement with critical media stakeholders to fight the spread of fake news.

Mutkut, who is the Force Commander, Joint Task Force for North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), said that was in the face of rising insecurity in the country.

He also said that the seminar was part of the Nigerian Army transformation’s drive to interact  and interface more with the Nigerian citizens.

The GOC assured of continuous resilience and commitment from the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies in fighting banditry and other criminal elements in the country.

“I appreciate the Civil-Military Affairs for choosing Gusau under the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army to conduct this seminar.

“I urge the participants to be fully engaged and ensure proper understanding of various lectures and presentations during the seminar so as to have better understanding.

“I have no doubt that this seminar will enhance the understanding of our social media influencers, bloggers, print, online, and media on responsible use of social media,” he said.

Mutkut appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his exceptional leadership to the Nigerian Army.

In his remarks, Gov. Dauda Lawal commended the Nigerian Army for her proactive engagement with the various stakeholders particularly the social media users.

Lawal, represented by the State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Development, Alhaji Tasi’u Musa, said that the efforts by the Nigerian Army in tackling the challenges posed by social media and enhancing national security were truly commendable.

“In Zamfara, we are highly aware of the complex and multi-dimensional security challenges facing our nation.

“We have witnessed numerous incidents where fake news disseminated by some unpatriotic individuals led to coordinated attacks on our security forces by armed bandits,” he said.

The governor urged the participants to use the social media platforms responsibly and support security operatives with a view to achieving sustainable peace.

“I urge you to apply the knowledge you will gather from this seminar to you daily lives.

“As good citizens, you should use social media to promote unity, peace and stability,” the governor charged.

Earlier,  the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, said the seminar was aimed at acquainting the social media influencers, bloggers, print, online, and mainstream media practitioners with the Nigerian Army activities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IZ/DCO/BRM

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Bashir Rabe Mani