ABUJA–
In a clarion call to Nigeria’s digital generation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has encouraged new media influencers and digital entrepreneurs to become unifying agents of national development, rather than purveyors of division and misinformation.
Speaking at the inaugural Progressives Digital Media Summit on Friday, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development”, President Tinubu emphasized the transformative potential of digital platforms—urging young Nigerians to channel their creativity toward building businesses, creating jobs, and producing content that strengthens social cohesion.
“Your generation has recognised this moment,” President Tinubu declared. “You are not waiting for the future; you are building it. Digital media is now a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change.”
He praised the innovation and resilience of Nigerian youth, highlighting how they’ve leveraged digital tools to demand accountability and drive progress. But with influence comes responsibility, he cautioned, stressing the need to verify information before amplifying it.
“Use your influence to foster unity, not division,” the President urged. “Digital platforms must be used to uplift, not mislead.”
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing the digital economy through mechanisms like the National Digital Innovation Fund and a supportive policy environment for startups. However, he also warned against the growing threats of disinformation, cyber abuse, and digital manipulation.
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, echoed the President’s remarks, commending Nigeria’s digital media practitioners as “the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria.”
“Our country has begun its long-delayed march toward greatness,” Gbajabiamila noted. “Though the journey is difficult, the role of digital innovators in shaping a better Nigeria is undeniable.”
In his goodwill message, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the growing influence of digital media in global politics. Citing lessons from elections in the U.S. and Germany, he warned of how social media has become a chaotic, unregulated battleground—one where truth is often sacrificed for virality.
“Divisive content, deepfakes, and AI-generated misinformation threaten democratic stability,” Onanuga said. “We must address these challenges proactively.”
The convener of the summit, Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, emphasized that digital media has evolved from being a social convenience to a powerful tool for influence and national transformation.
He called on content creators to be mindful of issues such as privacy, data protection, and national unity, as they continue to shape narratives and influence millions.
The summit provided a platform for policymakers, media entrepreneurs, and digital advocates to discuss sustainable solutions to harness the power of digital media in building a more cohesive and forward-looking Nigeria.
