The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, last weekend unveiled Nigeria’s first indigenous social media platform, 2GEDA.Net, at Ilaji Resorts, Ibadan. The monarch described the initiative as a new dawn for youth empowerment and tech entrepreneurship, declaring this era as “Youth O’Clock.”
In his welcome address, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola, expressed gratitude to God for granting the Ooni the vision to launch the homegrown platform. “My prayer is that today’s launch reaches a global audience,” he stated.
According to a statement signed by Otunba Moses Olafare
Director, Media & Public Affairs
Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, the monarch praised Olori Rasheedat Adetunji Ajeoguguluso, widow of a former Olubadan, for her mentorship of Emeka Smith, Chief Operating Officer of 2GEDA. “Olori, I greet you for being Emeka’s mother. That truly means a lot to our diversity in Nigeria because Emeka is an Igbo man raised here in Ibadan. That unity is what we strive for in Nigeria,” he noted.
The monarch also commended Engr. Dotun Sanusi, host of the event, describing him as a rare gift to Ibadan and Yorubaland for his consistent support for youth development.
Speaking at the unveiling, Air Vice Marshal O.G. Ogunsina, representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, described 2GEDA as a landmark achievement. “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, urged the developers to include features that surpass existing global platforms, while a representative of the State Security Service (SSS), Oyo Command, encouraged wide adoption and user-driven feedback mechanisms.
The Zonal Director of the EFCC in Ibadan, Mrs. Hauwa Garba Ringim, said the platform could help reduce cybercrime. “Our youth’s creativity is boundless; we appreciate the Ooni of Ife for investing in this laudable project,” she said.
Hon. Remi Oseni, member representing Ido/Ibarapa Federal Constituency, pledged support for the project at the National Assembly, promising to champion policies that would boost its growth.
On behalf of Oyo monarchs, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Adebola Ajibola, congratulated the Ooni for entering the competitive global social media space. Similarly, the Onigbaye of Igbaye Kingdom, representing Osun monarchs, hailed the Ooni’s consistent youth-focused initiatives.
The Etsu Nupe’s representative, who spoke in Yoruba, reminded the gathering of shared Oduduwa heritage across Nigeria, including Nupeland. He expressed optimism that “2GEDA will grow to rival Facebook one day.”
Also speaking, a representative of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubimi Pho, described the app’s launch as timely. “2GEDA stands as a bridge we sincerely admire, kudos to the visionary behind it,” he said.
The launch drew applause across traditional, political, and security institutions, with stakeholders affirming that the platform would serve as a catalyst for unity, inclusion, and youth empowerment.
