Nigerian Army’s 42nd Social Media Seminar Holds In Ibadan, Focuses On National Security
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – AS part of its efforts at improving national security, Nigerian Army on Thursday 14th August, 2025 kicked – off seminar for social media influencers in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo state.
The event which is the 42nd edition, had in attendance Online bloggers, social media handlers, Influencers, union leaders, youth Corp members among other relevant stakeholders, held at the Ibadan Civic Center, Agodi Gate Iwo Road, themed, “Promoting A Culture Of Security Awareness Through The Responsible Use Of Social Media.”
The event that is being coordinated by the office of the Chief of the Civil Military Affairs (Army), Major General Gold Chibuisi aimed at enhancing the national security and promote the civil military relationship between the members of the public and the officers of the Nigerian Army.
In his welcome address, Major General Gold Chibuisi noted that the successes of the past editions of this seminar have reignited the Nigerian Army’s commitment to elevate this initiative even further.
He stressed that the edition, themed ‘Promoting National Security Through Responsible Online Engagement’, seeks to enhance a collaborative approach in achieving our collective goal of safeguarding our national security.
Major General Gold further said, “I want to assure you that this edition will create a platform for an open dialogue, exchange of innovative ideas, and collaboration toward addressing critical challenges such as the spread of fake news, hate speech, and divisive content. We must understand that the contents we create, the posts we make and how we share them on the social media, have ripple effects on the citizenry with profound national security implications.
“It therefore becomes imperative for all of us to harness the power inherent in the social media as a tool to promote harmony, shape positive public opinion, and champion the cause of peace. This Seminar has been designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to use social media positively and responsibly. Your active participation will therefore ensure that, these intended objectives are achieved.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding civil authority and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Oyo State and the entire South West benefits greatly from the active presence of the Nigerian Army, encompassing both operational actions and community-focused initiatives. Meanwhile, recognizing that occasional misunderstandings may arise between civilians and Army personnel, the Nigerian Army has established multiple channels to address these grievances.
“Complaints can be made through our hotline 193 or forwarded to the Civil-Military Legal Desk, which operates at Army Headquarters and several formations nationwide. Furthermore, the Army’s official social media handles remain open and accessible for public interaction, offering opportunities to connect and engage responsibly on all major platforms. Let us all bear in mind that the security of our nation is a shared duty that requires the active participation of all citizens. Now, more than ever, we must each play our part to create a peaceful and secure nation where progress and prosperity can thrive.” Gold stressed.
In his remarks, the Special Guest Of Honour, Major General Lukman Omoniyi appreciated the Nigerian youth for their active engagements in nation building.
Major General Lukman said, “The Nigerian Army deeply appreciates the continuous support and invaluable contributions of the resilient youths of Ibadan, to national security. Hence, we are gathered here today to explore ways we can harness our digital potentials towards achieving national security objectives. This is bearing in mind, the powerful impact of social media engagements in shaping the security landscape of our nation.
“Today’s event forms part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts towards leveraging a whole-of-society approach in accomplishing its constitutional mandates. There is no doubt as to the tenacity and capabilities of Nigerian Youths, which we believe if properly harnessed and channeled, imparts positively on the security landscape of our country.
“It is on this note that the Nigerian Army conceived this Social Media Seminar to engage youths across the Federation, fostering collaboration to enhance national security and nation building. Designed for social media influencers, bloggers, and young people, this event serves as a bridge, connecting the strength of our digital generation with the Nigerian Army’s operational efforts for a safer Nigeria. The theme of this edition, “Promoting National Security Through Responsible Online Engagement”, seeks to mitigate the menace associated with the dynamics and complexities of our media and security landscape especially in Oyo State.
“The profound harm caused by the misuse of social media platforms to spread injurious or subversive contents cannot be over-emphasized. I therefore, urge all participants to neither engage in nor support malicious use of social media platforms especially on issues of national security. As the Seminar progresses, I urge you to pay reflective attention, make thoughtful contributions and seek clarifications where necessary.
“Our resource persons are poised to illuminate the risks associated with the careless sharing of harmful messages, videos, or voice notes on social media. Let us all therefore work together to ensure our interactions today, proffer lasting solutions to the contemporary security challenges emanating from the social media space. I want us to be rest assured unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army towards fostering a responsible and secure online community.” He said.
Other dignitaries at the event include the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, heads of security agencies in the state, a leading female music act in the state, Sade Ademiluyi popularly known as Sade Blaq among others.