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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Chairman of ThisDay and Arise Media Group, Nduka Obaigbena, yesterday warned on the risks threatening Nigeria’s media voice globally.
In his goodwill message at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference, Obaigbena highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence and dominance of digital content distribution by foreign powers, cautioning that these forces could marginalise African perspectives.
He announced the upcoming launch of Lekeleke, a new media platform slated for January, which aims to challenge the current US and Chinese monopoly in media content distribution. He emphasised the critical need for Nigeria to assert control over its media narrative, stating, “ten years ago, almost to this day, on 10th of November 1995, we, the editors and publishers, were invited to this presidential villa by the then head of state, soldiers walked to us and said Ken Saro-Wiwa has just been executed. That was 30 years ago, under military dictatorship. 30 years after we are celebrating engagement with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” This nostalgic recall, he noted underscored the dramatic progress Nigeria has made, now gathering freely to engage with President Bola Tinubu, “celebrating engagement with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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Obaigbena stressed that artificial intelligence and foreign control of digital platforms are reshaping media globally, which threatens to erode the African voice. He acknowledged how dominant countries control the narrative and content flow and challenged attendees to respond proactively. “It means we have to engage. It means we must build. We must build a coalition. We must protect that economic stability.”
Addressing Nigeria’s fragile economic situation, Obaigbena warned about possible adverse impacts of US sanctions on the country’s economic gains.
Obaigbena praised the current media-friendly environment compared to the military era when editors were summoned under threat. “We are at the front on the gate of stability. What does that mean? It means we must engage. The President of the Republic of Nigeria, what age we are better into? What are we doing about it?” he asked rhetorically. His call for unity and collaboration among media professionals ended with an optimistic note: “As editors, that is our key role in ensuring the time before the reforms.”
The conference highlighted the importance of Nigerian media standing resilient in the era of artificial intelligence and foreign digital dominance. Lekeleke is poised to be a significant step in asserting Nigeria’s media independence and challenging global content
