The Digital Strategy and Engagement Unit of the Nigerian Presidency, run by Tolu Ogunlesi just tweeted that “The Presidency has a new address”. They’ve gone and opened an account on what we know as Nigeria’s most visited (local) site, and what’s certainly its biggest forum, Nairaland.

I like it. It makes a lot of sense for a government who desperately needs to prove it’s not tone-deaf to start engaging directly, actively with many of the people at the bottom of the pyramid. And it appears it’s already working – Nigerian Twitter users have generally positive reactions to the news. Between their active Twitter account (which is curiously named We ASOcial), Facebook and their newsletter, I daresay that Tolu and the rest of the media team appear to be doing a swell job.

But here’s the thing. The Nairaland community has a reputation for being the most hostile collection of people on the Nigerian interwebs – even more so, than Linda Ikeji’s comments section. Seriously.

When I think about the Nigerian government opening an account on Nairaland, a cow walking innocently into a den of hungry lions comes to mind. It’ll take a miracle for them not to attempt to “engage aggressively” with it. I imagine whoever will be tasked with managing the profile will have an…interesting time.

So, welcome to the Lions’ den, Mr. President. Let me take your udder.

Nairaland Presidency

Osarumen Osamuyi Author

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