The Co-Chairman of the Traditional Council of Nigeria and Natural father of the Oduduwa race globally, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja Ii, the Ooni of Ife has unveiled Nigeria’s first indigenous social media platform, 2GEDA.Net, held at the Ilaji Resort, Ibadan, declaring this period “Youth O’Clock” to foster tech entrepreneurship.
In his welcome address, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola, expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God for empowering the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to produce and launch the nation’s first homegrown social media app.which is the first of its kind in Nigeria “My prayer is that today’s launch reaches a global audience,” he declared.
Ooni Ogunwusi lauded Olori Rasheedat Adetunji Ajeoguguluso, widow of a former Olubadanfor being a good Godmother to Mr. Emeka Smith, the COO of the 2GEDA Network Nigeria Limited.
“Olori, I greet you for being Emma’s mother and being Emeka’s mother truly means a lot to our diversity in Nigeria because Emeka is an Ibo boy raced here in Ibadan. that unity is what we strive for in Nigeria,” he noted.
He also lauded Engr. Dotun Sanusi who hosted the the event as a rare gift to Ibadan and the broader Yoruba nation, praising his readiness to empower youth through their talents. “See how he has supported Emeka Smith,” Ooni added.
Addressing the audience, the representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal O.G. Ogunsina, emphasized that while Nigeria is known on the global stage for its rich culture, music, and sports, creating a homegrown social media platform marks a significant milestone. “America has Facebook, China has WeChat, and now Nigeria has 2GEDA. Thanks to Ooni,” he remarked.
Major General D.M. Ali, representing the Chief of Army Staff, encouraged the 2GEDA team to add features that surpass those of existing global platforms, thereby increasing user appeal. “This development is welcome; it will further enhance our youth’s tech-entrepreneurial drive,” he asserted.
The representative who spoke on behalf of the Director of the State Security Service Oyo state command, urged the widespread app adoption and requested that the team integrate user feedback mechanisms. “2GEDA should provide a channel to hear from its users,” he maintained.
The Zonal Director of EFCC, Ibadan, Mrs Hauwa Garba Ringim hailed the app’s potential to significantly curb cybercrime. “Under the esteemed leadership of Olukayode as chairman of EFCC, we’ve leveraged social media to combat corruption and criminality. Our youth’s creativity is boundless; we appreciate the Ooni of Ife for investing in this laudable project,” she concluded.
Hon. Remi Oseni, Federal House Member for Ido-Ibarapa Federal Constituency, commended Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for hosting a Social Media Youth Summit two weeks prior, whose legacy he says is realized in 2GEDA. “I pledge to champion 2GEDA at the National Assembly, liaise with government, and serve as its ambassador,” he declared.
Speaking on behalf of Oyo State monarchs, Oba Adebola Ajibola, the Aseyin of Iseyin, congratulated Ooni of Ife on entering the competitive social media sphere dominated by Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram. “I hope 2GEDA enhances freedom of speech, expression, and social interaction,” he said.
Representing Osun State traditional rulers, the Onigbaye of Igbaye kingdom praised Ooni’s youth-focused initiatives: “This launch marks a major milestone, and I’m proud to be part of history. This why our Baba Ooni is different.”
The Etsu Nupe’s representative who came all the way from Bida in Niger state speaking in clear Yoruba reminded the gathering of their common heritage: “One cannot speak of Oduduwa’s lineage without reference to Oya(goddess of river Niger); everything Ooni does belongs to all descendants of Oduduwa worldwide including we in Nupe land.” He expressed optimism: “I pray and hope this 2GEDA is a very dynamic social media app that will rival Facebook one day.”
Finally,f the Hon. Minister of Interior Mr Olubimi Pho ably represented lauded the aptness of the app’s name in a time prioritizing inclusion and innovation. “2GEDA stands as a bridge we sincerely admire, kudos to the visionary behind it,” he affirmed.
Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace,
Ile-Ife
