Nduka Obaigbena
By Victory Oghene
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.”
