President Bola Tinubu has urged young Nigerians in the digital media sphere to utilise their platforms as instruments for national development, unity, and economic empowerment, rather than as agents of division.

Speaking on Friday at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President urged content creators, social media influencers, and tech innovators to verify information before sharing and to use their digital skills to uplift society.

The summit, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” drew stakeholders from government and the digital ecosystem.

“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,” Tinubu 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.”

Describing digital media as a transformative force, the President commended the ingenuity and resilience of Nigerian youth who are redefining the nation’s future through technology and online platforms.

“From developing innovative apps to building vibrant online communities, you are demonstrating the determination that is changing the narrative about what is possible in Nigeria,” he added. “You are not waiting for the future—you are building it.”

He also reaffirmed his administration’s support for Nigeria’s digital economy through initiatives such as the National Digital Innovation Fund and policies aimed at fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. However, he warned against the risks of misinformation, cyber threats, and unethical online behaviour.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, lauded the role of digital media practitioners in defending Nigeria’s image and projecting it positively on the global stage.

“You are the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria, determined to reach for the stars. 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.

In a goodwill message, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted how digital platforms have become central to global political communication, citing recent examples from the United States and Germany.

“Social media is not a fair battleground,” he noted. “It is chaotic, often unregulated, and saturated with divisive content. Deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation are now common tools against political opponents. Posts are driven by clicks—not facts. Misinformation spreads five times faster than the truth.”

He expressed hope that the summit would help shape better strategies for combating fake news and preserving the integrity of online discourse.

Summit convener and Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Segun Dada, reflected on how digital platforms, in less than a decade, have grown from personal tools into engines of influence and national impact.

He emphasised the importance of responsibility and ethical engagement in the digital space, particularly in relation to issues of data privacy, AI usage, and national unity.