The royal father made the appeal while presiding over the 20th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Kaduna on Saturday.
Speaking on the theme, “Digital Technology and the Moral Future of the Youth,” Abubakar described the subject as not only timely but urgent. According to him, while technology has flung open the doors of knowledge, networking and innovation, it has also become a double-edged sword—exposing young minds to corrosive content and questionable conduct.
He observed that in the last 20 years, Nigeria and indeed the global community have witnessed a whirlwind of transformation powered by digital advancement—changes that have left both footprints of progress and scars of moral strain.
The monarch explained that Islam recognises technology as a tool capable of advancing knowledge and serving the common good. However, he cautioned that believers must exercise discernment in what they consume and the principles they project in the ever-expanding digital marketplace of ideas.
According to him, youths should be mindful of their digital footprint, protect their character and use technology to spread positivity, compassion and justice.
“As Muslims, we believe that our actions will be judged by Allah (SWT), and we will be accountable for how we used the tools and opportunities He provided.
“Let us therefore strive to use digital technology wisely, promoting righteousness, compassion, and justice.
“To our youths, I say: Be mindful of your digital footprint, protect your character, and use technology to spread positivity and goodness,” he said.
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu-Bamalli, applauded the organisers for sustaining the annual lecture and acknowledged the distinguished guests whose presence added colour and credibility to the gathering.
In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of VON, Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, emphasised that the influence of digital innovation on the moral fabric of young people cannot be swept under the carpet. He noted that the theme was deliberately chosen to chart a path that ensures youths harness technology as a ladder to progress rather than a slide into moral decline.
The event attracted an array of eminent personalities, reinforcing the weight and relevance of the discourse in a society where the battle for the hearts and minds of the youth is increasingly being fought in the digital arena.
