In a powerful address at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit, President Bola Tinubu called on Nigeria’s young digital media influencers to use their growing influence to promote unity, create job opportunities, and contribute positively to national development.
The summit, themed ‘Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development’, was held in Abuja, where the President emphasized the pivotal role of digital media in shaping the future of the country.
President Tinubu acknowledged the innovative spirit of Nigeria’s youth, who have made digital media a key driver of social and economic change.
He expressed appreciation for the resilience shown by young Nigerians, utilizing online platforms to push for accountability, drive civic engagement, and broaden representation for marginalized voices.
“You are building the future now,” Tinubu said, praising the work being done through online communities and businesses. He continued, “Digital media is no longer merely an accessory to life. It is a central driver of economic growth, social change, and civic engagement.” The President stressed the importance of young influencers focusing on content that fosters unity, not division, and using their platforms to create employment opportunities.
The President’s words resonated with the summit’s goal of leveraging digital tools for the betterment of Nigeria. He reminded attendees of the power of their influence and the responsibility it carries. He urged influencers to build businesses that offer employment, create content that uplifts society, and use their platforms to further the nation’s progress.
Highlighting the dangers of disinformation, Tinubu emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it, urging digital media practitioners to be cautious of spreading false reports. He acknowledged the challenges posed by cyber threats and misinformation, noting that his government was committed to supporting innovation through policies and the National Digital Innovation Fund.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, also spoke at the summit, commending digital media practitioners for their role in projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage. He called the summit participants “the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria” and emphasized that the road ahead, while challenging, was necessary for the country’s progress.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, raised concerns about the growing trend of misinformation and divisive content in social media spaces. He pointed out the challenges posed by deepfakes and AI-generated content, which have become common tools for discrediting political opponents. He stressed that, in the digital age, misinformation spreads faster than corrections and that the summit would focus on strategies to combat this issue.
Segun Dada, the Special Assistant to the President on New Media, stressed the growing importance of digital media as a tool for communication, innovation, and influence. He underscored the need for young influencers to harness this power responsibly and avoid the risks associated with privacy concerns and social division.
As the summit concluded, it became clear that the future of Nigeria’s digital media landscape lies in the hands of its youth. With the right guidance, these young influencers can use their platforms not only for personal gain but also to build a unified, prosperous nation.
