By Mustapha Lawal
In a digital era where clicks often trump facts and influence often outpaces accountability, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian youth active in the digital media space to wield their platforms as instruments of national progress and unity, warning that the influence of social media must be matched by a heightened sense of responsibility.
Speaking during the Progressives Digital Media Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, the President stressed the critical importance of verifying information before sharing it.
“You are using digital tools to innovate, educate, and demand accountability,” he said. “But as your influence grows, so must our collective sense of purpose and responsibility. Verify before you amplify.” He commended the creativity and determination of young Nigerians in the digital sphere, describing them as active architects of the nation’s future. “You are not waiting for the future; you are building it,” he said. “Digital media is now a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change. It broadens representation for those previously unheard.”
President Tinubu urged young creators to channel their energy into building businesses that create employment, producing content that reflects unifying values, and using their voices to foster cohesion rather than conflict. “Use your influence to foster unity, not division. Create content that uplifts and unites,” he added.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting digital innovation through initiatives like the National Digital Innovation Fund and policies designed to nurture Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. However, he also cautioned against the dangers of unchecked content sharing, disinformation, and the use of digital tools for harmful political manipulation.
A Warning Rooted in Reality
In recent years, Nigeria’s digital media landscape has been marred by a growing wave of misinformation—ranging from fake election results to AI-generated videos targeting political opponents. During the 2023 elections, multiple false claims about INEC processes and candidate eligibility circulated widely on WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), often far outpacing official corrections. In June 2024, a deepfake video falsely showing a northern governor endorsing secessionist rhetoric went viral before being debunked. False job recruitment ads, fake military warnings, and doctored economic figures have also gained traction, frequently shared by influential accounts with little accountability. These incidents, many of which have been investigated and debunked by FactCheckAfrica, underline the real-world consequences of unchecked digital influence, which summit speakers warned could destabilize national cohesion if left unaddressed.
The growing influence of social media as a political and cultural force was further addressed by senior government officials. Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, praised digital media practitioners who continue to promote Nigeria’s image globally, describing them as “the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria.” He acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead but noted that under the current administration, the country is making a determined march toward long-awaited national renewal.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a stark warning about the chaotic and often unregulated nature of online discourse. Drawing lessons from elections in countries like the United States and Germany, he noted that digital platforms have become “crucial battlegrounds” for shaping political outcomes. “Social media is not a fair battleground,” he said. “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.”
Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media and convener of the summit, highlighted how quickly digital media has evolved in the last decade from a space for personal expression into a force that now shapes national discourse, innovation, and influence. He noted that while digital platforms offer enormous opportunities, their power comes with the obligation to uphold standards that serve the public good.
Aligning with the Mission of Truth
This message closely aligns with the work of FactCheckAfrica, a platform dedicated to debunking viral falsehoods and fostering a culture of truth in Africa’s digital spaces. Through investigative verification, real-time analysis, and public media literacy efforts, FactCheckAfrica has played a key role in countering the kinds of disinformation President Tinubu and his aides warned about. As Nigeria’s digital space grows more influential, the role of independent fact-checking becomes even more essential, not just for truth’s sake, but for the stability and unity of the nation.
The summit, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,” brought together media strategists, policymakers, content creators, and digital entrepreneurs to reflect on the growing responsibility of those who shape narratives online. President Tinubu’s appeal is a reminder to a generation leading Nigeria’s digital transformation: verify before you amplify.
