Massive: Nigerian Startup Lokats Challenges Facebook

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Meet Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Odogwu Ekene Enefe, a young Nigerian determined to give Facebook and other tech giants a real challenge. His start-up, Lokats, launched on August 1, 2025, introduces a fresh approach to social media focused on reconnection rather than endless scrolling. Also Read

Social media today is dominated by global players. Facebook leads with over three billion users, followed by YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Together, they shape conversations and communities. However, behind the glamour lies a brutal reality: most social media startups fail. In fact, 90% of new startups do not survive long-term. Lokats on Google Play

Against these odds

The 23-year-old graduate of Nile University of Nigeria has launched Lokats. Speaking about his vision, to Dr. Uche Nworah he explained that the platform exists to help people reconnect with long-lost friends and family through memories, photos, and shared experiences.

Why Lokats Was Created

According to Enefe, the inspiration came from observing how people struggled to reconnect meaningfully. “People hold memories, but there was no respectful way to turn them into reconnections,” he said. Lokats was built to solve that problem while protecting privacy and user consent.

What Makes the App Unique

Unlike Facebook or Instagram, it is not designed for endless scrolling. Instead, it focuses on tools that encourage meaningful reconnections. One of its standout features is the memory-tag search. This allows users to locate people based on old photos, events, or memories, rather than random timelines. For many, it creates a more personal way of finding long-lost friends.

Another key feature is map recall. With this, users can retrace the locations where they last saw or interacted with someone. It brings geography into the process of reconnection, making searches more authentic and emotionally resonant.

Privacy also sets this new app apart. The platform uses a two-step consent system where users must approve twice before any personal details are shared. This process ensures that individuals remain in control of their information, unlike many larger platforms where privacy often feels secondary.

Beyond that, the app offers instant reconnection alerts. Once someone you are searching for joins the platform, you receive immediate notification. This speeds up the reconnection process and eliminates long periods of uncertainty.

Finally, its design is built around human interaction rather than algorithms or sponsored content. The interface places relationships at the center, keeping distractions to a minimum. This deliberate choice helps users focus on meaningful engagement rather than passive consumption.

These combined features make Lokats a refreshing alternative in a crowded social media world. They reflect the founder’s vision of building a platform where people reconnect with purpose, privacy, and respect.

Should People Leave Facebook for Lokats?

Enefe is realistic. He does not expect everyone to abandon bigger platforms. Instead, he describes his app as a complementary tool. “If you want a quieter, intentional way to reconnect with old friends, Lokats was built for that,” he explained.

Response and Challenges So Far

Feedback from early users has been positive. Beta testers appreciate the privacy-first design and memory-based search. Alumni groups and communities have shown strong organic interest.

However, the challenges are real. Funding, scaling moderation, and growing a global user base remain critical. Technical issues, such as delivering fast matching at scale, also require continuous investment.

Will the App Be Sold?

When asked about possible acquisitions, Enefe stressed that his focus is on long-term value. He remains open to partnerships or offers that align with Lokats’ vision of privacy and integrity. “Any decision must protect our users and mission,” he said.

The Vision Ahead

The young founder has bold ambitions. He wants Lokats to become the go-to platform for reconnection worldwide. His vision is to create a safe, respectful environment where people can rediscover lost connections while building meaningful new ones. “We want to set global standards for privacy and emotional value in social apps,” Enefe added.

Be among the first to experience this innovation. Download Lokats today on the Play Store and App Store and discover the future of digital reconnection.