Tinubu Urges Digital Media Practitioners to Drive National Unity and Progress
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday encouraged young Nigerians active in the digital media space to channel their influence toward national development and unity. He urged them to leverage their platforms to build job-creating ventures, promote content that reflects shared values, and play a constructive role in shaping society.
Speaking at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit with the theme “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” Tinubu underscored the importance of responsible digital engagement, especially in verifying information before sharing it.
“Young Nigerians have embraced this era, using digital tools to educate, innovate, and hold power to account,” the President said. “But as your reach expands, so must your sense of responsibility. I encourage you to use these platforms to unite rather than divide, to uplift rather than tear down.”
He praised the resilience and ingenuity of Nigeria’s youth, calling digital media a transformative force in today’s world—not just a supplement to modern life but a cornerstone of economic and civic advancement.
“Through your creativity, you are showing what’s possible. You’re not waiting for the future—you’re building it. Digital media now fuels economic opportunity, citizen engagement, and social change. It gives voice to the unheard,” Tinubu added.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting digital innovation through initiatives like the National Digital Innovation Fund and pro-startup policies. However, he cautioned against the dangers of misinformation and cyber threats, calling for vigilance and ethical practice.
Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila also commended digital content creators and influencers for projecting Nigeria’s image positively on the global stage. “You are the front line of a new Nigeria—one that’s reaching for greatness. The journey may be tough, but under President Tinubu’s leadership, it is a journey we must take,” he said.
Delivering a goodwill message, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the summit’s importance. He cited recent elections in the U.S. and Germany as evidence that digital media has become a central arena for political engagement, not just entertainment.
“Social media is now a battlefield—unregulated and chaotic. Divisive content spreads easily. Deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation are used to target political opponents. Engagement is often driven by sensationalism rather than truth. Falsehoods travel faster than official corrections,” Onanuga warned.
Still, he expressed hope that the summit would develop effective strategies to counter fake news and misleading content.
Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media and convener of the summit, noted that in under ten years, digital platforms have shifted from personal communication tools to engines of influence and innovation. He stressed the need to guide this powerful force in ways that support national unity while mitigating risks such as privacy violations and social fragmentation.
