Abuja, Nigeria – August 1, 2025
Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, has underscored the urgent need for strategic and responsible deployment of digital media tools in Nigeria’s development journey, as he addressed a distinguished gathering at the Maiden Edition of the Progressive Media Summit held in Abuja on Thursday.
Dada, speaking in the presence of high-ranking government officials, described social media as “no longer a peripheral player in national discourse” but rather “a central force that shapes government-citizen engagement, business growth, education, and national accountability.”
The event was graced by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR); Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Idris Malagi; the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayo Wisdom; and Progressive Governors from Sokoto, Delta, and Kebbi States. Also in attendance were the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; as well as members of the National Assembly, top presidential aides, heads of government agencies, and digital stakeholders.
Declaring the Summit open, Dada reflected on the digital evolution of the past decade, emphasizing the dual nature of social media as both an enabler of progress and a vector of misinformation. He drew from recent electoral experiences, noting that during the 2023 general elections, “non-state actors weaponized social media to misinform and cast doubt in the minds of the electorate.” Despite this, he credited the decisive digital strategy deployed by the APC and its social media champions, which he said contributed to the party’s historic third consecutive national victory.
“This event is more than just a conversation,” he declared. “It is a call to action – to policymakers, entrepreneurs, educators, and every citizen – to harness this immense digital force for national good.”
Dada also used the opportunity to express profound gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the role, and to the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for what he described as “unwavering support” in bringing the Summit to fruition.
In his keynote address, President Tinubu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to digital transformation and pledged ongoing support for initiatives that promote innovation, truth, and national cohesion in the digital space.
The Progressive Media Summit aims to establish a framework for meaningful conversations around policy, content responsibility, online safety, and the role of digital platforms in democratic consolidation and national unity.