Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. F. Yahaya has called on Journalist, social media influencers to use there platforms to pass credible information, promote law and order in the country.

Yahaya made the appeal while addressing Journalist, bloggers, and other stakeholders at the 18th social media influencers seminar on civil-military relations in Awka, Anambra State.

The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by Maj. Gen. MG Kangye stated that social media has a great role to play in the unity of Nigeria.

“It is necessary for reporters, bloggers and social media influencers to know the dangers of misleading the public. We need to change the narrative.

“This gathering intends to bridge communication gaps and to indentify the roles the fourth estate of the realm have to play in the unity of Nigeria.

Brigadier Gen. SK Usman (Rtd), consultant director corporate affairs and information Nigeria Army resource center Abuja, in his lecture spoke on the them “The Nigerian Army’s Non-kinetic line of operation: Critical roles of the social media”.

Usman who spoke extensively on effects of social media on military operations, asymmetric warfare in perspective. revealed that the seminar is timely especially now that the military require more public support and understanding.

“It is easier to spread fake news and rumors on social media because of lack of gate-keeping and editorial judgement associated with main stream media. He lamented.

Executive Director, security affairs, Amb. Austin Peacemaker emphasized on the need for more understanding between the media and the military. He called for the need for extensive orientation in order to promote peace and unity.

The seminar which was organised by the Army headquarters department of civil military affairs in conjunction with security affairs LTD had other top military personnel in attendance.

Social media seminar was conceived in 2018 and have been held at different parts of the country such as Abuja, Lagos, Delta, Jos, Awka etc.