President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on young Nigerians active in digital media to use their platforms as “instruments of national progress,” urging them to “verify before amplifying” information.
Speaking at Friday’s Progressives Digital Media Summit themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” the President stated: “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.”
He directed specific guidance to content creators: “Build businesses that employ others. Create content that uplifts and unites. Use your influence to foster unity, not division.” Tinubu described digital media as “no longer merely an accessory to life” but “a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change,” while warning practitioners to remain “vigilant against disinformation and cyber threats.”
Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila reinforced the message, telling attendees: “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.”
The summit’s most stark warning came from Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, who observed: “Social media is not a fair battleground. As a public square, it is often chaotic and unregulated. Users frequently disregard rules. Divisive content is rampant. Deepfakes and AI-generated content are increasingly used against political opponents. Posts are driven by clicks, not truth or accuracy. Misinformation spreads five times faster than official corrections.”
Convener Segun Dada emphasised digital media’s evolution from “a tool of personal connection into a powerful engine for communication, innovation, and influence,” stressing the need to manage “inherent risks such as privacy concerns and threats to social cohesion.”
The administration’s dual focus on opportunity and accountability was crystallised in Tinubu’s closing admonition: “Continue using digital platforms to advance our nation’s progress.”
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