ABUJA: Nduka Obaigbena, the founder and owner of THISDAY Newspaper and ARISE Television, announced plans to launch Lekeelekee, an AI-driven digital platform set for January 2026, aimed at challenging the global dominance of the United States and China over content distribution and AI-powered media.
Addressing over 500 editors, policymakers, and diplomats at the State House Conference Hall during the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference, Obaigbena urged African media stakeholders to defend democracy, embrace artificial intelligence, and reclaim Africa’s voice in the global information ecosystem.
Reflecting on the execution of activist journalist Ken Saro-Wiwa 30 years ago, Obaigbena emphasized the importance of democracy in protecting free speech and media independence.
He warned that without local technological solutions, Africa risks remaining a passive consumer in a world where a few countries control global content.
Lekeelekee is not just another media platform. It is a strategic initiative to position Africa as a creator, innovator, and controller of its own content and technological destiny, Obaigbena stated.
With AI dominating the media landscape, we must act to ensure African stories and creativity are properly represented and monetized.
The platform is designed to empower African content creators, editors, and broadcasters to distribute, monetize, and govern their work independently of foreign digital giants.
By deploying locally developed AI algorithms, Lekeelekee aims to strengthen Africa’s digital sovereignty and media influence globally.
Obaigbena also highlighted the economic stakes, warning that external sanctions or disruptions could threaten stability.
He called for national collaboration to combat misinformation, insecurity, and economic vulnerability.
The conference, themed Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors, drew prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, governors from Plateau, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Kano states, and veteran journalists like Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, and Femi Adesina.
Lekeelekee represents a major milestone for Africa in the global media and AI space. It will provide a homegrown solution that ensures African creativity and innovation are recognized, rewarded, and protected in the emerging digital economy, Obaigbena concluded.
