Arise Group to Launch Lekeelekee in January, Redefining Social Media's Future

THISDAY/ARISE Media Group has finalized arrangements to launch, in January 2026, Lekeelekee, a fresh social media platform aimed at reshapin...

THISDAY/ARISE Media Group has finalized arrangements to launch, in January 2026, Lekeelekee, a fresh social media platform aimed at reshaping the future of online interaction and contesting the influence of the United States and China in African and worldwide technology sectors.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, revealed the initiative during the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) taking place in Abuja.

Obaigbena stated that the action highlighted the importance of Africa playing a role in defining the media environment powered by artificial intelligence, while encouraging progress, democratic values, and unity within the nation.

"If we don't take firm action, others will shape our narrative — and it may not always be in our benefit," he cautioned.

Obaigbena, co-Chairman of the conference, stated, "We are living in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This implies that your entire financial structure, where Google's algorithms drive searches for everyone and result in content monetization, is undergoing a transformation."

Artificial intelligence is transforming the structure of search engines and will alter the way journalism operates. Consequently, as Africans, we face a world where one or two nations dominate the dissemination of content via social media.

It is mainly managed by the United States and to some degree by China. What are we doing about it? How are we addressing it? At THISDAY and ARISE Media Group, we have introduced our own social media platform, set to launch in January, named Lekeleke.

That will influence the future and question the supremacy of the United States and China. However, each of us has a duty to monitor the AI-driven future and develop technology and algorithms that will impact how media is shared.

So, as we come together today, we must honor democracy and celebrate Nigeria. We need to collaborate for the benefit of our nation.

Earlier, on the conference's theme, "Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors," Obaigbena praised President Bola Tinubu for being the first Nigerian leader to host ANEC. He called on editors to back the current administration to ensure democracy continues to flourish in Nigeria.

Obaigbena, nevertheless, emphasized the importance of increased interactions between political figures and editors in order to maintain the achievements of the federal government's reforms.

He stated, "Editors need to keep interacting with political figures to support democracy, for the benefit of the nation. There are three leaders who were also media proprietors and have had the privilege of guiding Nigeria in some manner."

The first individual was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and held the position of Head of State without being the Head of Government.

The second individual was Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who served as the opposition leader and subsequently became Deputy Chairman of the Federal Executive Council during Yakubu Gowon's tenure. The third is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who holds the roles of government leader and Head of State. Thus, we are fortunate to have a media proprietor as our Head of State, who is hosting us today.

Therefore, we must get involved, have discussions, and gain self-understanding. We stand at a critical point in reforms, which have been hard-earned. Now, we are at the foundation of stability. We need to safeguard this economic stability with all our efforts, as losing the present stability would mean losing the sacrifices made over the past two years.

This implies that together, we must not permit a US sanction. This is because a US sanction would destabilize the economy and return us to the era prior to the reforms.

That implies we need to take action. We must form a group united in the effort to combat terrorism, instability, and poverty. As editors, our main responsibility is to maintain stability.

A seasoned media leader called on the government to enhance its collaboration with the media, fund digital education, and establish a policy framework that fosters technological advancement, safeguards free speech, and aids the development of local media companies able to thrive on an international scale.

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Tagged: Nigeria, Press and Media, West Africa

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