President Bola Tinubu wants the youths in the country to take charge of the country’s digital transformation by using new media as a catalyst for national progress, unity, and economic empowerment.
The President gave the charge in Abuja while addressing participants to a national summit on Digital Media and Democracy themed, “Unveiling the Central Role of New Media in National Development.”
The President commended young Nigerians for their innovation and drive, describing them as active builders of the nation’s future.
He remarked that new media had become central to the country’s civic life, economic advancement, and political inclusion.
“Across Nigeria, young people are demonstrating ingenuity by building platforms, creating vibrant online communities, and shaping public discourse,” he stated.
The President admonished digital entrepreneurs and content creators to build the nation with their platforms as well as create employment, promote unity, and counter misinformation.
“Verify before you amplify,” he strongly advised.
“The youth should ensure their digital actions reflect national values such as honesty, compassion, discipline, and patriotism”, he added.
Commitment to digital growth
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to digital growth.
The President pointed out ongoing investments in broadband expansion, cybersecurity, and the National Digital Innovation Fund.
According to him, government is working to make internet access a basic right, and to create a policy environment that would nurture startups and innovation while removing regulatory obstacles.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, raised concerns over the premature political atmosphere being stirred by opposition elements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Digital platforms are no longer just spaces for entertainment.
“They have become critical battlegrounds where elections can be won or lost, and we ignore them at our own peril”, he warned.
Mr. Onanuga noted that understanding platform demographics was key to crafting effective political messaging.
He warned that despite the reach of the platforms, social media had remained a chaotic and often unregulated space.
Onanuga cited example with misinformation, divisive rhetoric, and AI-generated content spreading without check.
Dangers of deepfakes
The Special Adviser specifically pointed out the dangers of deepfakes and click-driven falsehoods which could spread significantly faster than official clarifications.
“Social media is not a fair battleground. Disinformation travels five times faster than the truth.
“Our political opponents are already using these tools to distort public perception”, he lamented.
Mr. Onanuga called on stakeholders to adopt proactive strategies in addressing the growing digital threats.
He urged the rapid labeling of fake content, effective flagging of misinformation, and widespread fact-checking efforts.
“We all share a responsibility to ensure digital platforms help build our democracy, not destroy it”, he said.
