Abuja, Nigeria — November 13, 2025:

Media icon and Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, has announced the forthcoming launch of a revolutionary new media platform, Leekeeleekee, set to debut in January 2026.

The initiative, already attracting widespread commendation from media stakeholders across the Globe, is designed to challenge the dominance of U.S. and Chinese media conglomerates and establish Nigeria as a powerful voice in global content creation and distribution.

The announcement was made during Obaigbena’s keynote address at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) 2025, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In his address, Obaigbena underscored the pivotal role of the media in shaping democracy and national progress. Drawing on Nigeria’s rich media heritage, he paid tribute to three of the nation’s greatest media figures — Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — all of whom owned influential media organizations that contributed immensely to nation-building.

He observed that while all three were formidable media pioneers, only Tinubu went on to become President of Nigeria, illustrating the transformative power of media leadership.

“We must defend our democracy,” Obaigbena declared.

“If we fail to do so, the two years we have spent under this administration will be a waste. Democracy thrives only when the media is free, bold, and independent — when voices of truth are not silenced.”

With Leekeeleekee, Obaigbena aims to revolutionize the media landscape by providing an African alternative in the global digital content ecosystem.

The platform will empower creators, journalists, and storytellers across the continent through technology-driven distribution and monetization tools, ensuring that African stories are told by African voices — and heard across the world.

Obaigbena also used the occasion to make a clarion call for support for ongoing reforms to sustain economic growth in Nigeria, emphasizing that a strong economy is essential for a free and vibrant media sector.

“The time has come for Nigeria to take its rightful place in global media,” he said.

“Lekeleke will not just compete — it will lead. It will be Africa’s answer to the global dominance of American and Chinese media powerhouses.”

As anticipation builds ahead of its 2026 launch, Leekeeleekee is set to mark a new chapter in Africa’s media evolution — redefining how stories are created, distributed, and consumed on a global scale.

According to Amb. Cornell Udofia, PRO, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Lagos Chapter, and Founder/CEO of CMC Gladiators and CMC Entertainment, the vision of Leekeeleekee “reflects the rebirth of Africa’s media identity — a symbol of freedom, creativity, and courage.”

He commended Prince Obaigbena for his foresight, leadership, and unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of African media professionals.

“Just like the white Lekeleke bird that soars gracefully across the skies,” Amb. Udofia said, “this platform will carry Nigeria’s stories to the world — pure, proud, and powerful.”

Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, says the Nigerian media industry should be held accountable for what’s happening in the country and to its citizens, both positively and negatively.

“Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect,” said Uzodimma.

In a keynote address , he delivered today during the 21st edition of the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Abuja.

Uzodimma, critique the  theme, ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,’ and a sub-theme: ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,’ said : I will not let you escape accountability for electoral integrity, trust deficit, and what Nigerians expect in 2027.

Here is why.  If you have a role to play in “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion,’ then you also have a role to play in ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit.’  

Without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy. Electoral integrity begets democracy, and democracy begets good governance, and good governance fast-tracks the exorcism of trust deficit.

In all of these, your role as facilitator, amplifier, or catalyst is key.

“Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect.”

He emphasised that what editors actually do is akin to a pastoral duty.

“You decide what becomes urgent and what disappears.

You choose the lens through which millions of Nigerians see their country, their leaders, and each other.

“That is how the media is structured. A policy shift is either “Government U-Turn” or “Strategic Adaptation.”

A land border closure is either “Economic Protectionism Impoverishing the People” or “National Security Imperative.” Same facts, different frames. Entirely different public perception.,” he said.

He added: ” You are not spectators in 2027. You are active participants. You are catalysts and facilitators, whether r you acknowledge it or not.

The narratives you shape between now and the election will determine whether Nigerians approach 2027 with hope or cynicism, with trust or suspicion, with a sense of shared stake or through a tribal lens.”

•President of the NGE, Mr Eze Anaba

The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) is requesting for 10-year corporate tax relief from the federal government.

The guild presented their demand on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) with the theme “Democracy, Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.

The President of the NGE, Mr Eze Anaba, who made the call on behalf of the media organisations, lamented that the present economic realities in the country have put the media in distress.

He emphasized that the economic situation in the country has forced some media houses to shut down, while some that struggle to operate cannot pay workers’ salaries.

The NGE boss also called for tax exemption, the establishment of low-interest loans for the media, and a digital transformation and innovation fund.

Anaba further proposed a Media Freedom and Safety Charter to protect journalists from a hostile environment.