President Tinubu urges digital media influencers to promote unity and national progress 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s new media influencers to channel their digital influence toward fostering national unity and development, warning against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.

Speaking on Friday at the Progressives Digital Media Summit in Abuja, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” the President commended the creativity and resilience of Nigerian youth in the digital space. He urged them to use their platforms to create jobs, produce unifying content, and be positive agents of change.

“Your generation has recognised this moment. You are using digital tools to innovate, educate, and demand accountability,” Tinubu said. “But as your influence grows, so must our collective sense of purpose and responsibility. Use your influence to foster unity, not division. Verify before amplifying.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the transformative power of digital media, describing it as a central driver of economic growth, civic participation, and social transformation. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s digital economy through supportive policies and the National Digital Innovation Fund.

“You are not waiting for the future; you are building it. From developing innovative platforms to building vibrant online communities, you are redefining what is possible for our country,” he said.

The President also sounded a note of caution regarding the threats posed by fake news, cyber manipulation, and the misuse of artificial intelligence, urging digital media practitioners to remain vigilant.

Also speaking at the summit, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, hailed digital media actors as “the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria” and praised their role in promoting a positive image of the country globally.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, offered a stern warning about the dangers of unregulated content in digital spaces, referencing recent international elections to underscore the political power and volatility of social media.

“Social media is not a fair battleground. It is often chaotic and unregulated. Deepfakes and AI-generated content are increasingly used against political opponents. Divisive content thrives. Misinformation spreads faster than the truth,” Onanuga noted. He expressed hope that the summit would produce practical strategies to combat disinformation and safeguard digital integrity.

Summit convener and Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Mr. Segun Dada, emphasized that digital media has grown beyond personal interaction into a major driver of communication and innovation. He urged stakeholders to harness its potential responsibly, while mitigating associated risks to national cohesion and individual privacy.

The summit brought together digital media professionals, tech entrepreneurs, policy makers, and civic leaders to explore the evolving role of new media in Nigeria’s future.