A new social media and business platform, The Nigerian Community, has been launched to connect Nigerians at home and in the diaspora through social networking, business promotion and cultural exchange.
The platform, accessible at www.nigerian.community, is designed as a dedicated digital space where Nigerians can build relationships, discover and support Nigerian-owned businesses, exchange knowledge, learn new skills and engage with the country’s culture.
According to a statement from the company, the platform differs from mainstream social media networks, which its founders said were not created specifically with Nigerian users in mind.
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Community, Felix Ofiwe, said the platform was established to give Nigerians a sense of digital ownership and create a space where they can freely connect and express themselves.
“We built this platform because we believe Nigerians everywhere deserve a place they can truly call their own, a place where we can truly connect and be ourselves,” Ofiwe said.
He noted that while Nigerians actively use major social media platforms, those platforms “were never built specifically for us,” describing the new platform as an opportunity for Nigerians to “connect, express themselves, support one another, and engage with our culture – Nigerian style.”
A major feature of The Nigerian Community is its focus on Nigerian and African-owned businesses.
The platform will enable entrepreneurs to showcase their companies, promote products and services and connect with potential customers within the community.
The founders said the platform could, among other things, help Nigerian restaurants reach new customers, fashion designers showcase their collections and technology entrepreneurs introduce new services to a targeted community.
Its broader vision is to make supporting Nigerian-owned businesses “a natural part of being part of the Nigerian community”, while encouraging businesses to build meaningful relationships with customers rather than simply advertise to them.
Beyond business, the platform is also designed to promote Nigerian culture, traditions, food, humour, creativity and shared experiences across generations and geographical boundaries.
Members will be able to share stories, exchange knowledge, teach skills and participate in conversations around Nigerian life and culture, including popular cuisine such as jollof rice and pounded yam.
Although the platform was created primarily for Nigerians, Ofiwe said non-Nigerians are also welcome.
“Even though The Nigerian Community platform was created for Nigerians, everyone is welcome
“We want people to experience the richness of the Nigerian culture, discover Nigerian businesses and see what makes our community so special.”
The founders said the platform’s growth would depend on active participation rather than passive sign-ups, urging Nigerians around the world to join, post, connect, support businesses, share knowledge and invite others to the community.
Co-Founder and President of The Nigerian Community, Bernadette Kwuofu-Ofiwe, said the platform would only achieve its vision if Nigerians actively shaped its development.
“The Nigerian Community platform will only become what we envision if Nigerians make it their own.
“This is an invitation to Nigerians everywhere: come in, connect, contribute, and help us build something that belongs to all of us.”
The company said The Nigerian Community is member-powered and open to both Nigerians and non-Nigerians interested in Nigerian culture, businesses and community life.
