Twitter's popularity as Nigeria's premier platform for branding and discussions in the year 2020?
In the bustling digital landscape of Nigeria, Twitter continues to make waves as a popular platform for trends in politics, entertainment, and sports. With over 2 million users in a nation boasting more than 90 million internet users, the micro-blogging site has proven to be a significant player in the African tech scene.
Jack Dorsey, Twitter's co-founder and CEO, visited Nigeria in November 2019 with the aim of increasing the number of Nigerians on his app. His visit was a testament to the platform's growing influence in the country.
Twitter's vice president of design and research, Dantley Davis, is currently pondering over potential features to be rolled out soon. The company is considering adding new features to keep users engaged and make the site safer for conversation.
Many users, such as Chidi Okereke, initially found Twitter confusing and abandoned it. However, Okereke, who started a blog after signing up in 2009, later returned and found Twitter useful for distributing his content. Twenty-four-year-old Thani Sheun, on the other hand, has not adapted to Twitter and prefers Nairaland, a Nigerian online forum similar to Reddit, due to its user-interface and structure.
The retweet button on Twitter has been a game-changer, allowing popular content to reach a larger audience compared to content on Instagram. This feature has made Twitter a powerful tool for job seekers like Dara Oladosu, who secured a job in 2019 through the platform.
Twitter has also taken a stand against political advertising, a move that has been well-received by many Nigerian users. However, the company has walked back a proposal to remove inactive accounts, following backlash from the public.
One issue that has been raised by Nigerian linguist Kólá Túbọ̀sún is the need for Twitter to include facilities for tweeting in indigenous languages. In a country with over 400 languages, using familiar tongues on Twitter could generate familiarity and foster community values.
Twitter suspends accounts that are considered spammy or fake, according to the company. This policy has been put to the test recently with the suspension of social media influencer Pamilerin Adegoke, who was able to return after a successful appeal.
While there are no specific individuals identified who are actively promoting the introduction of new Twitter functions or working to increase the number of Nigerians on the platform in the coming years, figures like Taiwo Afolabi, a Nigerian-Canadian artist and cultural manager engaged in social and creative sectors, have shown support for the platform's growth.
As Twitter continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the platform will adapt to the unique needs and preferences of its Nigerian user base. One thing is certain, however: Twitter's impact on the Nigerian digital landscape is undeniable.
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