President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian digital media influencers to use their platforms to foster national unity, create employment, and combat misinformation.
Speaking at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit in Abuja on Friday, President Tinubu urged content creators to embrace responsibility as their influence in the digital space continues to grow. The summit, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” brought together key stakeholders in the digital communication space.
“You are not waiting for the future; you are building it,” Tinubu said. “Digital media is now a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change. But with this power comes the responsibility to verify before amplifying.”
He commended Nigerian youth for their creativity and resilience, highlighting their role in innovation, education, and social transformation through digital platforms. The President further encouraged the development of startups and digital businesses that generate employment and uphold national values.
Reaffirming his administration’s support for digital innovation, Tinubu pointed to initiatives like the National Digital Innovation Fund and policies aimed at nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem. However, he cautioned against the rising threats of disinformation and cyber manipulation.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, praised digital practitioners who project Nigeria positively on global platforms. “You are the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to building a progressive digital landscape.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, warned that social media platforms have become chaotic and unregulated battlegrounds. He highlighted the dangers of misinformation, AI-generated content, and the amplification of divisive narratives.
“Social media spreads falsehoods far faster than truth,” Onanuga said, urging influencers to prioritize accuracy over engagement metrics.
Summit convener and Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Segun Dada, noted that digital media has evolved into a powerful tool for shaping public discourse and innovation, calling for responsible use of the medium in Nigeria’s interest.
The summit aimed to explore strategies for harnessing digital media for national development while tackling associated risks such as misinformation, privacy breaches, and social fragmentation.
