Tinubu Supports Obaigbena’s New Social Media Platform, Lekeelekee

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his support for the newly launched social media platform, Lekeelekee, created by Nduka Obaigbena, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel. The platform aims to redefine digital communication and challenge the prevailing dominance of Western technology firms. Tinubu made these comments during an interfaith breaking of fast event at the State House in Abuja on March 15, 2024, where he hosted leaders from the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).

During his address, Tinubu described Lekeelekee as a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s technological independence. He stated, “Don’t mind the screaming sometimes. I’m glad the Duke is sponsoring Lekeelekee while we are talking about Google and external interference in our affairs. We will run with the stick with you and say ‘Nigeria we hail thee.’ We will survive the challenges.” This statement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering African innovation in the digital space.

The President also emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s media ecosystem. He assured attendees that his administration is actively engaging with global technology companies, including Meta and Google, to address concerns regarding their influence on the Nigerian media landscape.

In addition to the digital media initiatives, Tinubu called on state and local governments to ensure that increased federal allocations lead to visible improvements in local communities. He pointed out that recent fiscal reforms and direct funding to local governments have expanded their financial capacity. “We’ve opened up the principle of federalism to the extent that local governments are now getting their money. But how they use it is in your hands,” he urged the media to hold local officials accountable for public fund management.

Tinubu acknowledged the difficult economic choices made at the beginning of his presidency, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, which was necessary to prevent an economic collapse. “At the time, we had to confront the subsidy; Nigeria was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy,” he explained. Despite initial hardships, the President claimed that these reforms have contributed to stabilizing the economy, stating, “Today I can stand proudly before you that we are back from that brink.”

He also addressed concerns raised by media organizations regarding import tariffs on newsprint and broadcasting equipment. Tinubu assured industry leaders that the government would investigate these issues to support the media sector.

Earlier, Olusegun Osoba, the Grand Patron of NPAN and former governor of Ogun State, praised Tinubu for implementing bold reforms intended to transform the Nigerian economy. Additionally, Frank Aigbogun, the publisher of BusinessDay Newspapers, highlighted the importance of maintaining a good relationship between the government and the media. He called for government intervention on tariffs affecting media operations and urged protection for journalists against the growing influence of global technology companies.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, reiterated the government’s commitment to press freedom. He confirmed that regulatory agencies have begun discussions with major technology firms regarding their impact on Nigeria’s media industry. “The President will not allow anybody to come here, reap from our economy and go away,” Idris affirmed, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to safeguarding press freedoms.

The launch of Lekeelekee and the ongoing dialogue between the government and media stakeholders signal a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s digital landscape, with potential implications for the future of media independence and technological advancement in the country.