President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked Nigerian youths to leverage their digital platforms to develop solutions that address the nation’s challenges, emphasising the promotion of digital literacy and accountability across all sectors of the society.
Speaking on Friday at the Progressives Digital Summit held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President appraised Nigeria’s growing community of digital creators and innovators, describing them as “builders of the future,” but cautioned on their digital footprints, saying they must reflect the best of Nigeria.
President Tinubu also challenged the youth, urging them to let their actions embody a generation that refuses to wait for permission to lead, but instead step forward with courage and clarity.
“So, I challenge you to use your platforms, not only for self-expression, anger or retaliation, but for problem-solving, to build solutions that address our nation’s needs, to mentor others as we grow and to promote digital literacy and accountability in every corner of our society.
“We are in a world where disinformation spreads easily. Verify before you amplify,” Tinubu said. “Let the digital space reflect the values that bind us together as a people — honesty, compassion, discipline, and patriotism.”
President Tinubu underscored patriotism as contributions to the common good and not about “slogans and political theatre.
“Patriotism is not about slogans and political theatre. It is about what will contribute to the common good. Every gap and every app you design, every story you tell, every brand you build is a statement to the world about who we are and what we stand for as a nation.
“Let your leadership be defined by integrity. Let your digital footprint reflect the best of our nation. Let your actions speak of a generation that did not wait for permission to lead. Step forward with your courage and with clarity, Nigeria’s path to prosperity will be shaped by many forces, make yours inclusive and relevant, but none will be more positive than the choices made by those who dare to imagine and who possess the skill to build. Just imagine the background of our great female footballers.”
The President commended young Nigerians for using new media to innovate, educate, and demand accountability, noting that digital platforms have become central to economic growth, civic engagement, and social change.
“I urge you to continue using digital platforms as an instrument of national progress, but you should build businesses that employ others, create content that uplifts those around you, and use your influence to foster unity and not division. We are in a world where this information spreads easily. Verify before you amplify, please, let the digital space reflect the value that binds us together as a people, honestly, compassion, discipline and patriotism.” He said.
Strategic investment
President Tinubu stressed that the administration recognises the significance of the digital frontier, identifying the emergence of digital platforms as the reason for making strategic investments in digital infrastructure and expanding broadband access.
The Nigerian leader reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring that internet access is a right for all Nigerians, not a privilege or luxury, emphasising that the government’s dedication to cybersecurity remains steadfast as it continues to advance the initiatives.
He gave assurance that the government is fostering innovation through the National Digital Innovation Fund and supporting the startup ecosystem with policies designed to promote growth while minimising unnecessary regulations.
“This administration understands the importance of this new frontier, that’s where that is why we are making strategic investments in digital infrastructure and broadband expansion. We are committed to ensuring that access to the internet is not a privilege or a view, but a right enjoyed by all Nigerians.
“ We are also supporting innovation through the National Digital Innovation Fund and nurturing the startup ecosystem with policies that promote growth and reduce unnecessary regulation. We will not lose focus on cybersecurity.” President Tinubu said.
Uplift others
President Tinubu concluded his address with a call for unity in the digital age, expressing his hope that the efforts and voices of young Nigerians will inspire and uplift others.
“Let your creativity continue to inspire, let your enterprise create opportunity, and yet your example show this generation is not only ready for the future, but ready to lead the future. I pray may your work may be guided by wisdom. Many of your voices will lift others, and may your generation be remembered, not just for its potential, but for the full achievements of reality.” The President said.
He prayed that their generation would be remembered not only for its potential but also for its tangible achievements.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila praised digital media practitioners who have consistently stood up for Nigeria and projected the nation 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 stated.
In a goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the significance of the Summit.
He noted that lessons from recent elections in countries like the U.S. and Germany underscore how digital media have become crucial battlegrounds, beyond mere entertainment, for shaping poll outcomes.
“However, social media is not a fair battleground. As a public square, it is often chaotic and unregulated. Users frequently disregard rules. Divisive content is rampant. Deepfakes and AI-generated content are increasingly used against political opponents. Posts are driven by clicks, not truth or accuracy. Misinformation spreads five times faster than official corrections.” Onanuga observed.
The convener of the summit, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Segun Dada, said the event was a call to action, a call to policy makers, educators, entrepreneurs technologists and all citizens who believes in the power of digital development.
Segun encouraged the youth to shape the social media for national development.
Lateefah Ibrahim