Obaigbena unfolds a new platform, Lekeelekee, warns Nigeria against losing media Voice
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, has cautioned that Nigeria risks losing its influence in the global media space amid the rise of artificial intelligence and foreign dominance in digital content and distribution.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) 2025, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Obaigbena announced the upcoming launch of LEKEELEKEE, a media platform aimed at challenging U.S. and Chinese dominance in global content distribution.
“Nigeria must protect its media voice. Artificial intelligence and foreign dominance of digital content and distribution are reshaping media globally, potentially marginalizing African voices.
”We cannot afford to sit back and allow others to define our stories, our image, and our future,” he said.
Obaigbena explained that LEKEELEKEE, set to officially launch in January 2026, will promote Africa’s creative industries and provide a fair platform for African content in the global marketplace.
“LEKEELEKEE will project Africa’s perspectives and creativity to the world while creating a level playing field in global media distribution,” he added.
He also warned that Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery could be threatened by potential U.S. sanctions, urging citizens to unite in safeguarding democracy and national progress.
“We must work together to protect our democracy and our economic growth. Sanctions and external pressures can easily erode the fragile gains we have made,” he stressed.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Obaigbena recalled that almost 30 years ago, editors were summoned to the Presidential Villa under military rule and threat, noting the progress achieved today:
“Almost 30 years ago, editors were invited here under duress and intimidation.
”Today, we gather at the same Villa, freely engaging with President Bola Tinubu in an atmosphere of democracy and dialogue. That is progress worth defending.”
As co-chair of the 21st ANEC, Obaigbena urged Nigerian editors and media professionals to embrace innovation while defending the integrity, independence, and future of the Nigerian media industry.
