By Adam Muhammad, Gusau
The Nigerian Army has conducted a one day 34th edition seminar on social media to address proliferation of fake news among social media handlers in Zamfara state.
The seminar held at Lt Gen TY Buratai Hall, Command Guest House in Gusau, Zamfara State Capital Thursday.
Declaring the seminar open, the Commander 1 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji, Maj Gen GM Mutkut stated the theme of the seminar is “Enhancing National Security Through the Responsible Use of Social Media.”
Maj Gen GM Mutkut stated that the seminar was organized to brainstorm the youth particularly social media handlers on the significance of destination of accurate news and disadvantage of sharing fake news in society.
According to him, destination of fake news in society through the use of social media are the major factors that could cause unrest in society and help armed bandits in carrying out their nefarious activities in northwest.
Maj Gen GM Mutkut stated that the seminar will go along way in educating and enlightening social media handlers on how to conduct their mode of sharing news based on the ethics and guiding principles of dissemination of information within their respective domain to improve national security.
“Social media handlers also the participants should be guided on the danger of spreading wrong information, fake news, provocative statement that could amplify unrest about the happening in society.” Maj Gen GM Mutkut stated.
In his speech, the special guest also the Zamfara state commissioner of youth and sports development, Hon. Tasi’u Musa Shinkafi commended the Nigerian Army for pro actively engaging with various stakeholders, including social media influencers, bloggers, media practitioners, particularly youth in fostering a safer and more secure Nigeria.