Facebook To Add Nigerian Languages On Its Platform – Zuckerberg

Zuckerberg gave the assurance at a meeting with software developers and ICT entrepreneurs on in Lagos Wednesday, as part of his 2-day business visit to the West African nation.

He noted that social media application currently allowed the use of Hausa language on Facebook.

“I am glad we support Hausa and we are planning on supporting a lot more languages soon,’’ he said.

The Facebook boss, also said his platform would ensure that more Nigerian communities are connected to the internet through local content.

He reiterated Facebook’s desire to get everyone in the world connected online in the next 10 to 15 years.

Upon his arrival in Lagos on Tuesday, Zuckerberg visited the Co-creation Hub Nigeria (CcHUB), a social innovation centre in Yaba, dedicated to accelerating the application of social capital and technology for economic prosperity.

He also met with children at a summer coding camp who came to the hub to build and launch their apps.

Speaking during the meeting, the Facebook founder stated that the country is blessed with many talented developers and entrepreneurs.

“Thanks for such a warm welcome. There are so many talented people here. I am excited to get a chance to meet some of them.

“This is my first trip to sub-Saharan Africa. I will be meeting with developers and entrepreneurs and learning about the start-up ecosystem in Nigeria.

“The energy here is amazing and I’m excited to learn as much as I can,’’ he said.

Nigeria’s monthly active users (MAU) on Facebook have grown to 16-million (from 15-million) which is a 6.67% increase, as of the first quarter of 2016, according to figures released by Facebook in June. The vast majority of Facebook users in Nigeria – and through Africa – are on mobile.