Nduka Obaigbena Unveils ‘Lekeleke,’ New African Social Media Platform

Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the influential media mogul and founder of the ARISE News Channel and THISDAY Newspapers, has announced the upcoming launch of Lekeleke, a new African-owned social media platform.

The platform is designed to challenge global content distribution dominance and redefine digital engagement in Africa.

Obaigbena unveiled the plans on Wednesday at the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja, an event that also marked the 30th anniversary of the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa a moment Obaigbena recalled as defining Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The ARISE News founder emphasized that Africa cannot afford to remain a passive consumer in the global digital economy, especially as the industry shifts towards Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He warned that the dominance of one or two foreign countries in content distribution through social media is set to grow with AI, changing journalism’s financial models and search engine formats.

“As Africans, we are confronted by a world where one or two countries control distribution… That is, distribution of content through social media is controlled principally by the US and controlled to an extent by China.

What are we doing about it?”

His answer is Lekeleke, a social media channel set to be released in January 2026, which he says will “shape the future and challenge the dominance of the US and China” by allowing Africans to build their own technology and algorithms for content distribution and monetization.

Obaigbena also addressed the editors on the nation’s political and economic trajectory. He urged them to play an active role in national stability, particularly amid ongoing economic reforms.

He cautioned against complacency, stating: “We are at a crossroad of reforms, which has been hard and hard fought. And now we stand on the gates of stability. We must protect that economic stability with everything we have. Because if we lose the current stability, we lose the sacrifices of the last two years.”

He specifically warned that a US sanction could destabilize the economy, urging editors to engage in building a “coalition of the willing” to defeat terrorism, insecurity, and poverty.

Obaigbena drew a historical parallel between the media and political leadership in Nigeria, noting that three leaders who were media owners had played key roles in governing the nation:

* Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (President/Head of State).

* Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Leader of the Opposition/Deputy Chairman of the Federal Executive Council).

* President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Head of Government and Head of State).

He argued that President Tinubu’s presence at the conference a media owner hosting a media event underscores the need for continued engagement and discussion for the nation’s greater good. He concluded his speech with a rallying call for editors to celebrate and work together for Nigeria and the defense of free speech.