By Sam Kutos
Abuja Nigeria – August 1st, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian digital media influencers and content creators to utilise their platforms to promote national unity and development rather than division and misinformation.
The president made the call at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit held in Abuja, with the theme “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development.”
THE NEWSPOINTER NEWSPAPER
Your Trusted Daily Online News Source.
Bringing you the latest in:
🗞️ National & Local News | ⚽ Sports | 🧵 Fashion | 🏛️ Politics | 🚨 Breaking News
Published by: Humtaro & Co.
He commended the role of young Nigerians in driving innovation through digital tools but warned that greater influence must come with an even greater sense of responsibility.
“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,” he said.
President Tinubu emphasized that digital media is no longer an accessory to modern life but a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social transformation. He called on participants to verify information before amplification to curb the spread of fake news and harmful narratives.
“Build businesses that employ others. Create content that uplifts and unites. Use your influence to foster unity, not division,” the president urged.
He further assured stakeholders of his administration’s support for the tech and innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as the National Digital Innovation Fund and other enabling policies aimed at empowering startups and young entrepreneurs.
On his part, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the summit as timely and reflective of the administration’s commitment to engaging with the digital generation.
Support real journalism.
✅ Prioritize credible sources
🔍 Fact-check what you read
💸 Donate to outlets that value truth, independence & fairness
Journalism matters—help it thrive. #NEWSPOINTER Fact checker#
“You are the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria, determined to reach for the stars. The road may be challenging, but it is necessary,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, decried the rising misuse of social media, particularly during elections and political campaigns.
He cited cases from advanced democracies such as the United States and Germany, noting that misinformation, AI-generated content, and deepfakes are now widely used to manipulate public perception and influence outcomes.
“Social media is not a fair battleground. It is chaotic and unregulated. Divisive content thrives, while posts are driven by clicks and sensationalism rather than truth or accuracy,” he said.
🎯 For News or Advert?
📢 Partner with THE NEWSPOINTER – Your Trusted News Source
📞 Contact Us Today:
👉 0904 314 1414
👉 0707 114 4444
📰 Fast • Reliable • Wide Reach
Onanuga expressed optimism that the summit would proffer practical solutions to tackle fake news, protect the integrity of digital communication, and strengthen national cohesion.
Summit convener and Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Mr Segun Dada, described digital media as a transformative force in national life. He noted that while it presents great opportunities, it also comes with inherent risks such as data privacy concerns, content manipulation, and social division.
The summit brought together stakeholders across government, media, technology, and civil society to explore ways of leveraging digital tools for national development while mitigating their adverse impacts.
