President Bola Tinubu.
By Pauline Podka
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has called on young Nigerians to use their digital influence responsibly, cautioning them about the risks of spreading misinformation online.
Speaking on Friday at the Progressives Digital Summit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he commended Nigeria’s expanding community of digital creators and innovators, referring to them as “builders of the future.”
He emphasized that their influence should be accompanied by integrity. “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.”
He stressed that patriotism is not about “slogans and political theatre,” but “about contributions to the common good.”
The president praised young Nigerians for harnessing new media to innovate, educate, and call for accountability, highlighting that digital platforms have become key drivers of economic growth, civic participation, and social transformation.
“You are not waiting to be invited into the future. You are building the future,” he told the audience of content creators, tech entrepreneurs, and social media influencers.
President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s dedication to enhancing digital access by highlighting ongoing investments in broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the National Digital Innovation Fund, which is designed to support startups and minimize excessive regulation.
He urged the digital generation to go beyond mere self-expression and outrage, encouraging them to focus on problem-solving, mentorship, and contributing to nation-building.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Drawing inspiration from the Super Falcons’ recent comeback victory, Tinubu urged resilience and creativity, calling on young people to lead the nation’s transformation.
“Step forward with courage and clarity,” he said. “Let your leadership be defined by integrity. Let your digital footprint reflect the best of our nation.”
The president ended his speech with a powerful call for unity in the digital age, expressing his hope that the work and voices of young Nigerians would “lift others” and that their generation would be remembered “not just for its potential, but for its achievements.”