FG Urges Youths to Use Digital Technology Responsibly

The Federal Government has called on Nigerian youths to engage with digital technology responsibly, warning that the spread of false information poses a serious moral and national challenge.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued the warning on Saturday while speaking at the 20th Joint Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, and Voice of Nigeria in Kaduna.

He cautioned that misuse of digital platforms could deepen societal divisions and undermine national unity if content is not guided by truth and accountability.

“Verify before you amplify. Pause. Interrogate the source,” Idris urged, highlighting the civic and moral duty of all citizens—especially young people—to combat misinformation.

The Minister acknowledged the tremendous opportunities digital technology provides for learning, innovation, and economic growth, but stressed that it also presents moral challenges requiring discipline and responsibility.

He highlighted youth-focused initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and Africa’s first Media and Information Literacy Institute.

“Media literacy is the vaccine against misinformation,” Idris said, noting that these programmes are designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Describing Nigeria’s youthful population as one of its greatest strengths, he stressed that the nation’s future depends on how well young people are guided and supported. “A nation that fails its youth has no future. We are systematically investing in an ecosystem where digital technology becomes a ladder of opportunity,” he said.

Idris also pointed out Nigeria’s designation by UNESCO as host of Africa’s first Media and Information Literacy Institute, calling it a milestone that will strengthen critical thinking and help citizens resist digital manipulation.

He urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, media practitioners, and youths to collaborate in building a digitally empowered yet morally grounded society. He also emphasized that faith and patriotism should complement responsible citizenship, guiding engagement in the digital space.