President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a clarion call to Nigeria’s digital media influencers, urging them to wield their online power responsibly by promoting unity, innovation, and nation-building rather than division and misinformation.
Speaking at the official opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit held in Abuja on Friday, the President appealed to the younger generation to transform their digital presence into meaningful platforms that generate employment, foster cohesion, and elevate national discourse.
“Your generation has recognised this moment. You are using digital tools to innovate, educate, and demand accountability,” President Tinubu stated. “But as your influence grows, so must our collective sense of purpose and responsibility.”
He emphasized the importance of verifying information before amplifying it, warning that the unchecked spread of fake news could erode social fabric and undermine governance.
With the summit themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” the President acknowledged that digital media has evolved beyond being a communication tool—it’s now a catalyst for economic growth, civic engagement, and social change.
“You are not waiting for the future; you are building it,” Tinubu declared. “Digital media now provides a voice to the previously unheard and opens new opportunities for innovation and inclusion.”
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering the digital economy, noting investments such as the National Digital Innovation Fund and startup-friendly policies designed to encourage entrepreneurship among Nigeria’s tech-savvy youth.
Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, commended digital media practitioners for consistently amplifying Nigeria’s image positively on global platforms.
“You are the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria,” he remarked. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, our nation has embarked on its long-overdue journey toward greatness.”
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, delivered a thought-provoking message on the dangers lurking within digital spaces. He cited global electoral trends to underscore the growing impact of new media on democratic processes, but warned:
“Social media is no longer a fair battleground. It is often chaotic, unregulated, and divisive. Misinformation, deepfakes, and AI-generated propaganda pose real threats to our democracy.”
Bayo Onanuga calls for urgent strategies to counter fake news and disinformation, while encouraging influencers to elevate truth above sensationalism.
In his address, Summit Convener and Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Segun Dada, highlighted how digital media has transformed over the last decade, from a space for casual interaction to a potent force for influence, innovation, and national conversation.
He concluded by reaffirming the summit’s objective: to equip Nigeria’s digital leaders with the tools and mindset needed to responsibly steer the nation’s digital narrative for the betterment of all.
This summit comes at a crucial time when Nigeria’s digital space is expanding rapidly. The President’s message was clear: In a world driven by clicks and content, truth, unity, and innovation must remain at the heart of Nigeria’s digital journey.
