Abuja – (South South Digest)
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday called on young Nigerians active in the digital media space to use their platforms as instruments of national progress, urging them to prioritize unity over division.
Speaking at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” President Tinubu emphasized the importance of verifying information before amplifying it.
“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,” the President said.
He praised the creativity and resilience of Nigerian youth, noting that digital media has become a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change. President Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting digital innovation through initiatives like the National Digital Innovation Fund.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, described digital media practitioners as “the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria,” praising those who project the nation positively on the global stage.
In his goodwill message, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the challenges of the digital landscape. He noted that social media is often “chaotic and unregulated,” with misinformation spreading much faster than official corrections. Onanuga expressed optimism that the summit would help address these issues, including the rising threat of deepfakes and AI-generated content.
The summit convener, Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, stressed the need to harness the power of digital media for the good of Nigeria while effectively managing inherent risks.
