Amanze ChinonyePresident Tinubu has urged Nigerian digital media influencers to wield their platforms as tools for national unity and progress, rather than sources of division or misinformation. The president made the call on Friday during the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit in Abuja, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development.”
Addressing a hall filled with content creators, tech entrepreneurs, and communication strategists, President Tinubu acknowledged the growing influence of young Nigerians in the digital media space, commending them for driving innovation, civic engagement, and economic activity. He urged them, however, to match that influence with a heightened sense of responsibility.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“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,” the president said.
“I urge you to continue using digital platforms to advance our nation’s progress. Build businesses that employ others. Create content that uplifts and unites. Use your influence to foster unity, not division,” he added.
President Tinubu stressed the importance of fact-checking and verification in today’s fast-paced media environment, warning that unverified content could undermine national cohesion and trust in democratic institutions.
Highlighting the growing impact of digital media on the economy and society, he said: “Digital media is now a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change. It broadens representation for those previously unheard. You are not waiting for the future; you are building it.”
He noted that his administration is committed to supporting digital innovation through initiatives such as the National Digital Innovation Fund and policy reforms to enable a robust startup ecosystem. At the same time, he urged practitioners to remain alert to the dangers of disinformation and cyber threats.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, described digital media actors as the “vanguard of a reborn Nigeria” and praised their contributions to shaping a positive image of the country. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, our nation has begun its long-delayed march toward greatness. The road may be challenging, but it is necessary,” he said.
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Also speaking at the summit, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, warned of the darker sides of the digital space. He pointed to recent elections in the U.S. and Germany as evidence of how social media has become a battleground for public opinion, disinformation, and AI-driven manipulation.
“Social media is not a fair battleground. It is often chaotic and unregulated. Divisive content is rampant. Deepfakes and AI-generated material are being used against political opponents. Misinformation spreads five times faster than official corrections,” Onanuga cautioned.
He expressed hope that the summit would tackle these challenges and produce actionable strategies for combating misinformation and promoting ethical digital practice.
Summit convener Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, emphasized the transformative power of digital media in Nigeria, noting its evolution in less than a decade from a tool of personal connection to a powerful force for influence and innovation.
He called for a national commitment to harness digital platforms for collective good while addressing risks such as data privacy violations, online harassment, and threats to social cohesion.
The summit, attended by top government officials, media professionals, and digital entrepreneurs, aims to foster responsible digital engagement and promote a media ecosystem anchored on truth, development, and unity.
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