President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged young Nigerians in the digital media space to use their platforms as agents of national development rather than instruments of division. Speaking at the Progressives Digital Media Summit in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the need for content creators, influencers, and online entrepreneurs to prioritize factual reporting and foster national unity through their work.
The summit, themed “The Role of New Media in National Development”, gathered top digital media practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the evolving impact of digital platforms on Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
“As your influence expands, so must your sense of responsibility,” President Tinubu said, encouraging digital entrepreneurs to build businesses that create jobs, generate positive content, and advance Nigeria’s progress. He stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, warning that misinformation threatens national cohesion.
The President hailed Nigerian youths for their creativity and resilience, noting that digital media has become a powerful driver of economic innovation, civic engagement, and social transformation.
“You are not just waiting for the future; you are creating it,” Tinubu said. “From building tech platforms to nurturing vibrant online communities, Nigerian youths are redefining possibilities.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting digital innovation through initiatives like the National Digital Innovation Fund, designed to empower startups and strengthen Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. However, he cautioned against the spread of disinformation, fake news, and cyber threats, urging practitioners to maintain ethical standards.
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, lauded digital influencers who project Nigeria positively on the global stage, describing them as the “vanguard of a reborn Nigeria.” He noted that while the journey to national greatness may be tough, it is an essential path under Tinubu’s leadership.
Also speaking at the event, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, highlighted the increasing role of digital media in shaping political narratives, citing examples from recent elections in the United States and Germany. He warned that social media remains a chaotic and often unregulated space, where divisive content, AI-generated deepfakes, and click-driven misinformation are rampant.
Onanuga expressed hope that the summit would craft actionable strategies to combat fake news and reinforce the integrity of Nigeria’s digital information space.
Summit convener Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, emphasized that digital media has evolved beyond entertainment into a significant force for communication, innovation, and national influence. He called on digital practitioners to harness this power responsibly, balancing innovation with the need to protect privacy and social harmony.
