President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on young Nigerians active in the digital media space to leverage their platforms for national development, urging them to promote unity, create employment, and verify information before dissemination.

Speaking on Friday at the opening ceremony of the Progressives Digital Media Summit in Abuja, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development”, President Tinubu commended the youth for their innovation and influence in shaping the country’s future through digital tools.

“Your generation has recognised this moment,” he said. “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.”

The President encouraged digital entrepreneurs and content creators to use their influence to foster national unity and social progress. “Build businesses that employ others. Create content that uplifts and unites. Use your influence to foster unity, not division,” he charged.

Describing digital media as a “central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change,” President Tinubu noted that young Nigerians were redefining the future by building vibrant online communities and tech-driven enterprises.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the digital economy through initiatives such as the National Digital Innovation Fund and policies that promote a thriving startup ecosystem. However, he warned against the dangers of disinformation, misinformation, and cyber threats, urging practitioners to remain vigilant.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, also addressed the gathering, commending digital media actors for their role in projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage.

“You are the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria, determined to reach for the stars,” he said. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, our nation has begun its long-delayed march toward greatness.”

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, delivered a goodwill message, warning that digital media has become a volatile battleground. Citing global elections in countries such as the U.S. and Germany, he highlighted how social media can shape public perception and electoral outcomes.

“Social media is not a fair battleground,” he cautioned. “It is often chaotic and unregulated, rife with divisive content, deepfakes, and AI-generated misinformation. Posts are driven by clicks, not accuracy.”

Onanuga expressed hope that the summit would offer strategies to tackle these challenges, especially the spread of fake news.

Summit convener Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, said digital media had rapidly evolved from a personal communication tool to a powerful force for innovation and influence. He stressed the need to channel its power toward national development