The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has called for stronger moral guidance for young people as digital technology continues to shape their lives and influence society.
Speaking at the 20th Annual Ramadan Lecture held in Kaduna on Saturday, Ndace said while technology has created vast opportunities for learning, innovation and communication, it also presents serious challenges, including misinformation, cybercrime and moral decline.
The event, jointly organized by VON, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), brought together traditional rulers, government officials, scholars and members of the diplomatic corps.
Delivering his welcome address, the VON boss described the annual lecture as a respected platform that bridges faith, governance and the media, noting that it has consistently promoted reflection and national dialogue over the past two decades.
The lecture, themed “Digital Technology and the Moral Future of the Youth,” focused on the growing influence of digital platforms on young people. Ndace emphasized that technology itself is not harmful, but its impact depends on how it is used. He stressed the need to combine digital literacy with moral values to ensure that young Nigerians use technology responsibly.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Voice of Nigeria to promoting ethical communication, national unity and a positive image of Nigeria globally. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration among public broadcasters to advance public enlightenment and national development.
Ndace commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for his support and leadership in strengthening public broadcasting institutions.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing youth empowerment, digital transformation and national reorientation under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Director-General urged stakeholders to remain committed to guiding the younger generation, noting that the moral direction of the youth would ultimately shape the future of the nation.
He concluded by praying for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria and thanked participants for sustaining the Ramadan lecture tradition for 20 years.
