The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has officially unveiled 2geda, Nigeria’s first indigenous social media platform. The launch took place on Saturday at Ilaji Resort and Hotel in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Speaking at the event, the foremost traditional ruler urged the Federal Government, state governments, and philanthropists across the country to support the innovation, describing it as a step toward national growth and youth empowerment.
“We must support our youths to make Nigeria great again. They are intelligent and innovative, and they need our support. I want to appeal to the Federal Government, our state governors, traditional rulers, as well as philanthropists to support this initiative so it can rise to the level of global giants like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Snapchat,” Oba Ogunwusi stated.
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Also present at the unveiling was the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who emphasized that the 2geda platform goes beyond social interaction, noting that it is rooted in culture and digital sovereignty.
“We are quickly awake to the fact that national development cannot thrive without digital sovereignty. The Federal Government is ready to support a strong digital economy platform like 2geda with a mission to foster security, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among Nigerians at home and abroad. In an era where digital privacy, national identity, and cultural preservation are priorities, this initiative provides a safe and relevant space for Nigerians to connect, express, and build together,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The Minister further assured that the government remains committed to backing innovative projects that strengthen national development, youth engagement, and technological independence. “As we officially unveil this platform today, let us embrace it, contribute positively to its growth, and build the kind of digital environment we desire for our children and future generations,” he added.
In her goodwill message, the Acting Director of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Hauwa Ringim, commended the initiative while urging Nigerian youths to channel their creativity into productive ventures through technology.
“We are not just here to celebrate the launch of 2geda; we are here to reflect on how social media can be used to curb cybercrime in our society. This is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Under the leadership of our chairman, the EFCC has been utilizing social media to strengthen the fight against cybercrime and other forms of criminality in Nigeria,” she explained.
Ringim further stressed the need for young Nigerians to take ownership of technology. “Our youths are creative, talented, and innovative, with visions to develop solutions that will gain global acceptance. Social media has come to stay, and we must decide whether to allow criminals to misuse it or take control of it to protect our people,” she concluded.
The launch of 2geda is seen as a bold move toward positioning Nigeria in the global digital space, with stakeholders hopeful that it will provide a secure and culturally relevant platform for social engagement.
