Department Of Civil-Military Affairs Conducts Social Media and Key-Stakeholders Engagement Forum In Owerri

Department Of Civil-Military Affairs Conducts Social Media and Key-Stakeholders Engagement Forum In Owerri

The Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Army Headquarters, organized the 44th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, at The Place Event Centre, Owerri, Imo State.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Gold Chibuisi, stated that the seminar aimed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to use social media positively and responsibly in fostering a secure society. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his visionary leadership and consistent support to the Department.

The Special Guest of Honour, Commander, Armoured Corps, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, in his opening remarks, commended the Department of Civil-Military Affairs for its tremendous activities and numerous achievements in sustaining effective civil-military relations through non-kinetic operations. He urged participants to leverage the seminar to strengthen civil-military cooperation.

During the seminar, themed *“Promoting a Culture of Security Awareness Through the Responsible Use of Social Media,”* participants received a lecture on Positive Advocacy through Social Media for Enhanced National Security delivered by Professor Ehiz Odige Okpataku. There were also special presentations on the positive use of social media in support of national security by two renowned celebrities, Mrs. Joyce Kalu, a veteran actress and Mr. Dike Osinachi (popularly known as Apama), a famous actor and content creator which led to an engaging interactive session.

In addition, there was a competition on the Nigerian Army Social Media Handles, which included Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Winners emerged and prizes were presented. There were also presentations on the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation activities and other security-related issues.

Similarly, the Department held a Key Stakeholders Engagement Forum on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at the same venue, themed *“Taking the Nigerian Army to Communities.”* The forum aimed to enhance collaboration with community leaders, village heads, union leaders and other influential figures in support of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to combat criminality in society. Participants were lectured on Security Challenges and Community-Driven Solutions by Brigadier General Godwin Ayanmelechi (Rtd.).

Presentations were also made on The Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Activities in Enhancing Security Development.

A panel discussion was conducted, during which traditional rulers, senior officers, religious leaders, heads of security agencies and union leaders made contributions and responded to questions.

In attendance at the two seminars were the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force South East (Operation UDOKA), Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Psychological Operations), Major General Mike Onoja, representatives of the Commandant, Nigerian Navy Account and Finance College, Commander, 211 Quick Response Group, Nigerian Air Force, Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command and other heads of security agencies.

Others in attendance included royal fathers, religious leaders, community leaders, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (Imo State Chapter), women groups, commissioners and other government functionaries, trade union leaders, youth association leaders, heads of professional bodies, persons with disabilities and members of civil society and non-governmental organizations, members of National Youth Service Corps among others.