President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on young Nigerians active in the digital media space to channel their influence toward fostering national unity and driving positive change, rather than spreading division.
Speaking on Friday at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” the President urged digital media practitioners to verify information before sharing and to leverage their platforms for societal development.
“Your generation has recognised this moment. You are using digital tools to innovate, educate, and demand accountability. But as your influence grows, so must our collective sense of purpose and responsibility,” Tinubu said.
He encouraged the youth to create businesses that provide employment, produce uplifting content, and use their platforms as catalysts for national progress. Describing digital media as a central driver of economic and social transformation, the President noted that it now serves as a key tool for civic engagement and amplifying previously unheard voices.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting digital innovation through the National Digital Innovation Fund and other policies designed to grow Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. He, however, cautioned against the rising threats of disinformation and cyber risks.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, commended digital media practitioners for projecting Nigeria positively, saying:
“You are the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria, determined to reach for the stars. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, our nation has begun its long-delayed march toward greatness. The road may be challenging, but it is necessary.”
In a goodwill message, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, highlighted the disruptive nature of social media. He pointed to global experiences in the U.S. and Germany, noting that social media is now a political battleground where misinformation spreads rapidly.
“Social media is not a fair battleground. Divisive content is rampant. Deepfakes and AI-generated content are increasingly deployed against opponents. Posts are driven by clicks, not truth,” Onanuga said, expressing optimism that the summit would address these challenges and explore solutions to curb misinformation.
Summit convener Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, noted that in less than a decade, digital media has evolved from a personal communication tool into a powerful driver of innovation and national influence. He stressed the need to harness this power for the greater good of the country while managing risks to privacy and social cohesion.
