President Bola Tinubu recently issued a compelling charge to Nigeria’s vibrant youth, urging them to pivot their extensive engagement with digital media platforms into powerful instruments for national advancement. This pivotal call emphasizes a shift from casual online activity to a focused, constructive utilization of the digital landscape, recognizing its immense potential for positive societal impact and fostering unity and national development.
Speaking at the Progressives Digital Media Summit in Abuja, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” President Tinubu highlighted the generational imperative for young Nigerians to harness their creativity. He encouraged them to cultivate entrepreneurial ventures that generate employment opportunities, craft content that reinforces unifying national values, and ultimately serve as transformative catalysts for comprehensive societal progress.
A crucial aspect of the President’s message underscored the paramount importance of information verification. He sternly cautioned against the uncritical amplification of unverified data, stressing the collective responsibility that accompanies growing digital influence. This focus on responsible digital citizenship is key to combating the pervasive issue of misinformation and promoting accurate narratives online, ensuring digital media serves as a tool for progress.
Tinubu lauded the remarkable resilience and innovative spirit of Nigeria’s youth, articulating a vision where digital media transcends mere communication to become a core driver of both economic growth and social transformation. He observed that young Nigerians are actively shaping the future, demonstrating an impressive determination that is redefining national possibilities and broadening representation for previously unheard voices through innovation.
The government’s commitment to supporting this digital evolution was reiterated, with President Tinubu assuring continued backing through initiatives like the National Digital Innovation Fund. This commitment extends to crafting supportive policies designed to foster a thriving startup ecosystem, aiming to empower young innovators and facilitate their contributions to the nation’s technological landscape and national development.
Complementing the President’s address, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila commended digital media practitioners who have consistently championed Nigeria’s image on the global stage. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, further illuminated the summit’s significance by referencing international election trends, underscoring how digital platforms have evolved into crucial battlegrounds for shaping public opinion, moving beyond simple entertainment and into Nigerian politics.
However, Onanuga also provided a stark reminder of the challenges within the digital sphere, noting its often chaotic and unregulated nature where divisive content, deepfakes, and AI-generated misinformation proliferate rapidly. Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media and summit convener, concluded by emphasizing digital media’s rapid evolution from a personal connection tool to a potent engine for communication, innovation, and significant influence in under a decade, highlighting the need for careful information verification.
