By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
The Nigerian Army has honored Hon. Ibrahim Daniel Arome, a passionate disability activist and social media influencer from Kogi State, with a prestigious merit award in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to promoting security awareness through digital platforms. This recognition underscores his responsible use of social media to foster national security and peace.
The award was presented during the 38th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar, held on Thursday in Lokoja. Themed “Cultivating a Culture of Security Awareness Through Social Media,” the seminar aimed to educate and inspire youths to utilize social media responsibly in building a more secure and united Nigeria.
A Call for Digital Responsibility
The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA) of the Nigerian Army, Major General Nosakhare C. Ugbo, who delivered a keynote address at the event, lauded Hon. Daniel Arome for his commendable efforts. Represented by Brigadier General Bola S. Keji, the Director of Psychological Operations at Army Headquarters, General Ugbo emphasized the growing importance of digital responsibility in mitigating security risks.
“Our words and actions on social media have a far-reaching impact beyond the screens of our tablets and smartphones,” said General Ugbo. “Each post, share, or comment can either support or hinder our collective efforts for peace and unity. We must ensure that our digital footprints contribute to a legacy of prosperity, not division.”
The seminar served as a platform to amplify the role of Nigerian youths in countering online misinformation and fostering a culture of collaboration for national security.
The Awardee’s Inspiring Journey
For Hon. Ibrahim Daniel Arome, the recognition marks a milestone in his journey as a disability advocate and social media influencer. Arome’s mantra, “Brain, Not Legs,” which he coined in 2014, encapsulates his belief that disability is not a barrier to achieving greatness.
Speaking after receiving the award, an elated Arome said, “This recognition has reignited my passion for security advocacy. It reminds us all that security is everyone’s business, whether offline or online. As a person with a disability, I have always believed that our abilities go far beyond physical limitations. My goal is to inspire others, especially persons with disabilities, to contribute to the collective security of our nation.”
Arome expressed his commitment to continue creating awareness about the importance of security, particularly for marginalized groups, emphasizing that “security awareness is inclusive and vital for all members of society.”
Strengthening the Role of Social Media in National Security
The seminar also featured Major General Adeleke A. Ayannuga, Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, as the Special Guest of Honor. He commended participants for their active engagement and described the event as a platform for empowering young Nigerians with the knowledge necessary to harness social media for national security.
“This seminar equips the vibrant youths of Kogi State with the tools to transform social media into a force for good,” Ayannuga noted. “It also serves as a feedback mechanism for refining military operations and improving service delivery in communities.”
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, who also attended the seminar, applauded the Nigerian Army for addressing the dynamic challenges posed by digital platforms. He highlighted the power of social media to shape public discourse and foster collaboration on critical issues such as national security.
“Security awareness is a shared responsibility that demands constant engagement and education. Social media is at the forefront of this engagement, and platforms like this seminar ensure that our approach remains relevant to the realities of today’s world,” Governor Ododo said.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media
In her presentation titled “Harnessing Social Media Impact for Improved National Security,” Dr. Ehiz Odegie, Executive Director of the Steady Hope Support Initiative, emphasized the need for deliberate positive influence in the digital space.
“Social media has 36.75 million active users in Nigeria, representing 45.5% of our population. This figure highlights the enormous potential we have to use these platforms for good,” Dr. Odegie said. She urged participants to support the Nigerian Army’s efforts to ensure a safe and united Nigeria through responsible online behavior.
Participants Praise the Seminar
Many attendees described the event as groundbreaking. Joy Tabitha, one of the participants, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This seminar has opened my eyes to the impact of social media on national security. It is inspiring to see the Nigerian Army taking proactive steps to involve youths in building a safer Nigeria.”
Another participant, Godblessing Osita, said, “This is the first seminar of its kind in Kogi State, and it has equipped us with the knowledge to use social media as a tool for national development. I now understand the role I can play in fostering security awareness online.”
Building Bridges for a Secure Nigeria
The seminar ended on a note of optimism, with participants, resource persons, and military officials reaffirming their commitment to leveraging social media for positive change. Hon. Arome’s recognition serves as a reminder of the critical role individuals can play in shaping a secure and inclusive Nigeria.
As the nation navigates complex security challenges, this event underscores the power of collaboration between government, civil society, and individuals to create a culture of security awareness that transcends physical and digital boundaries.
