The New Media Conference 2025 in Lekki delivered many memorable moments, but one of the most impactful came during the keynote speech by Mr Dada Olusegun, Special Adviser on Social Media to President Bola Tinubu. Speaking to a packed hall at The Podium, he blended personal reflection with policy insight, offering a perspective that bridged the past and the future of Nigeria’s digital space.

Olusegun began on a personal note, recalling his 15-year friendship with Tosin Ajibade, founder of Olorisupergal Media and convener of the conference. He described their early collaborations around the blogger summit years, when a new wave of Nigerian storytellers and content creators were beginning to redefine media. That history, he explained, shaped his own path into public service and his belief in the transformative power of digital platforms.

“Social media is not just about engagement,” he said. “It is about ensuring conversations become constructive information that can inform decisions and shape policy.” He explained that as Special Adviser, his role is to ensure that digital conversations are not dismissed as background noise but considered valuable contributions to governance.

Olusegun noted how social media has already played a role in influencing government policy, serving as a space where citizens’ concerns can quickly reach decision makers. That immediacy, he said, comes with responsibility for both users and leaders. He called on content creators, journalists, and digital communities to act as partners in strengthening democracy by prioritising accuracy and credibility.

His remarks echoed wider conversations happening across Nigeria, where the government has emphasised the need to balance freedom of expression with responsible online use. For the audience in Lekki, the speech struck a balance between personal storytelling and national relevance, highlighting the role of media professionals in shaping a more constructive digital culture.

As his keynote ended, Olusegun left participants with a clear challenge: to see social media not only as a space for influence but as a tool for impact in Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation.