The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has emphasized that the success of the government’s blue economy agenda—focused on economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness—hinges on how well young Nigerians understand and connect with it.

Olusegun spoke to journalists in Abuja ahead of the Blue Economy Investment Summit, scheduled for March 9–11, 2026, in Lagos.

He stressed that in the digital age, effective governance requires strong storytelling and citizen engagement, noting that policies cannot succeed if young people feel disconnected.

“The President’s vision for the blue economy is about growth, jobs, and global competitiveness, but it will only thrive if young Nigerians understand it and see themselves in it,” Olusegun said.

He highlighted the role of the media and digital community in bridging the gap between policy and public understanding. “We are not spectators; we are partners. Together, we can turn the blue economy into something Nigerians actively believe in and participate in,” he added.

Describing the blue economy as one of Nigeria’s most untapped opportunities, Olusegun lamented that weak communication has made it appear distant and technical to many citizens. He stressed the importance of creating engaging, relatable content to capture young people’s attention.

“Young people do not hate information; they hate boring information. Our attention span is about 30 seconds. Show a short video of goods moving faster at ports or a young Nigerian explaining logistics in 30 seconds,” he explained.

Olusegun also revealed that President Tinubu holds weekly briefings with his media team to review public feedback, ensuring the administration is open to correcting policies when valid concerns arise.

He encouraged collaboration with influencers and content creators, emphasizing that they should be seen as partners in governance rather than mere amplifiers of official messages.

“This is not about propaganda; it is about participation,” Olusegun said.

The adviser further called for efforts to demystify career opportunities in the maritime sector, noting that properly communicated prospects could help reduce youth unemployment.

Princess Ronke Kosoko, CEO of Maritime Innovations Hub, also addressed the summit, explaining that the organization seeks to connect stakeholders across the maritime value chain, support MSMEs, promote inclusive growth, and position Nigeria’s maritime sector as a key driver of national development.