Targeting 100 million users by 2013, Yookos.com, an extraordinary world-wide focused social networking site with African background is not resting on its oars to add value to the sector.
The cut-above-the-rest platform will literally network the entire world and bring about positive changes in the lives of people in Africa, says Tomisin Fashina, the group chief executive officer.
Launched on the 1st of January 2011, the site currently has over seven million users, while it plans increasing the tally to 20 million by the end of the year.
Fashina had during a press conference in Lagos held over the weekend told newsmen that Yookos.com has recorded tremendous success since inception and is already the toast of many Africans, particularly students who appear to be major clienteles of social media.
He said with optimsim that 20 millions users was a realizable projection, as the site has continued to add content, functionality and additional languages.
“Our early experience suggests there’s a huge need for a quintessentially African social network that helps Africans interact, socialise, share information and access entertainment that is relevant to them, whether they’re in London, New York or a remote village in Nigeria,” said Fashina.
The Nigerian social networking premier believes Yookos has all it takes to break the digital barriers before the continent; making the continent social media-savvy and providing social relevance in a networked environment.
He however bemoaned the snail pace of social media penetration in many African countries precisely because it lacks local relevance.
According to Fashina the evenly growing social networking site was ready to grab the hearts and minds of Africans and others in Diaspora by offering a values-based platform that talked directly to African literature, and many other issues concerning the region.
“We believe in the continent and are investing in its future. For us, Africa’s challenges are its opportunities. Our emphasis is on social development.
“We care about Africa and uplifting the people, whether that’s through giving students access to educational materials or putting families in contact with their loved ones on the other side of the world.
“Yookos is a social network designed to reach out to all Africans, regardless of religion, politics, gender or where one is; this is a meeting place for all Africans to come and be educated, entertained, and interact. More than 40 other churches and community organisations are already using Yookos as a platform to reach their communities, and we’re hoping to grow that significantly,” he added.
The Yookos.com boss highlighted that the way of the future is undoubtedly mobile, adding that for millions in Africa, mobile phones are the main and often only connections to the Internet – and a way to put Yookos in every hand. To this end, Yookos has developed a unique yet easy to use mobile app for mobile users to connect their world through Yookos
He also disclosed that Yookos’ recently launched portal for Africa’s Gamers features more than 500 games that can be played for free. Some of the driving games include Moon Rider, Street Grand Prix and Freeway Cruising.
The action games include F18 Hornet Game and Air Adventure, with the 3 in a Row category featuring all-time favourites like Bejewelled, Recycled and Super Zen Blaster.