Nigerian Army Conducts Social Media Seminar and Key Stakeholders Forum In Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Nigerian Army Conducts Social Media Seminar and Key Stakeholders Forum In Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The Department of Civil-Military Affairs organized the Forty-Fifth Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar and Seventh Key Stakeholders Forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 February 2026.

The Social Media Seminar, with the theme “Emerging Trends on Social Media: Impact on National Security,” provided the Nigerian Army a platform for robust engagement with the civil populace to discourage the propagation of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation about the Nigerian Army on social media. It was also used to encourage public support for the Nigerian Army.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, emphasized the need for positive usage of social media to build bridges and discourage misinformation, divisive narratives, and hate speech. He stated further that the seminar is a platform to discuss, deliberate, and collaborate on issues to promote a positive social media culture.

Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Director General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, Major General Julius Osifo, urged social media influencers and media professionals to employ their tools for the promotion of national security and avoid disinformation, fake news, and wrong reportage that not only demoralize troops but diminish the sacrifices of our gallant soldiers and dishonor the memory of those killed in action.

Dr. Zainab Olabisi Saka, in her presentation titled “Promoting Peace and Trust Through Responsible Online Engagement,” stressed the need for social media users to think positively and carefully before posting content. She warned against cyberbullying, fake news, misinformation, and any content that can pose threats to national security.

In another presentation, famous celebrity Mr. Dike Osinachi, popularly called APAMA, urged participants to always ensure positive usage of social media with accurate and truthful content.

Participants at the seminar included social media influencers, journalists, members of civil society and non-governmental organizations, national youth associations, and student unions.

Similarly, in his welcome address at the 7th Edition of the Nigerian Army Key Stakeholders Engagement Forum*, Major General Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi said the forum is another effort of the Nigerian Army to take itself to the communities, just like the social media seminar, considering the theme _“Taking the Nigerian Army to the Communities.”_ It aims to engage with traditional rulers, community and union leaders, and other grassroots stakeholders to strengthen civil-military relations. He urged participants to encourage communities to freely embrace the Nigerian Army for more knowledge, as lack of knowledge is the source of some misunderstandings between the Army and the public.

While declaring the Key Stakeholders Forum open, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by Major General Julius Osifo, emphasized the whole-of-society approach towards combating Nigeria’s counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and other associated crimes. He called for stronger communal support and intelligence sharing from communities across the nation to further enhance civil-military cooperation and improve national security.

In his presentation, titled _“Taking the Nigerian Army to the Communities,”_ His Royal Majesty, Brigadier General Bright Ateke Fiboinumama, the Amayanabon of Amadi-Ama Town, urged community leaders to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by taking responsibility for exposing criminal elements in their communities to ameliorate crimes.

He commended the Nigerian Army for its non-kinetic approaches, including dialogue with communities, provision of support during disasters such as flooding in the South-South, and medical outreaches.

During the interactive session, the representative of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Eze Uche Elikwu, appreciated the Nigerian Army for the Stakeholders Forum and promised the council’s support in combating criminality across the state. Other participants made suggestions on how to further strengthen civil-military relations.

In attendance were traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of security agencies, members of civil society and non-governmental organizations, persons with disabilities, and youth associations.

Highlights of the seminar and forum included briefs on Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation and other security-related issues, presentation of souvenirs, and certification of participation.