Tech expert unveils Yoruba dating app

A technology expert, Anjola Awofisoye, has unveiled a matchmaking application aimed at connecting single Yoruba men and women seeking life partners.

Awofisoye, who has over 10 years of experience in software and digital product development, said he and his team created the Yetunde app, described as the world’s first app dedicated to the Yoruba community.

The application, which was recently unveiled on social media, according to a statement made available to our correspondent, was designed to help users find meaningful relationships that could lead to happy marriages.

According to its description on Google Play, the platform seeks to preserve Yoruba heritage by “fostering genuine connections and creating timeless Yoruba love stories.”

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Awofisoye said the initiative was inspired by the need to provide a culturally relevant platform for Yoruba men and women, with the aim of transforming cultural connections into lasting relationships through verified matches.

He said, “The idea behind the Yetunde app is pretty much the philosophy of using the old ways of doing things to solve modern-day problems. Back in the day, there was the Yoruba concept of alarina, which is an intermediary between a man and a woman.

“The alarina is kind of like the person who knows both parties and passes messages between them. So, the whole purpose of the app is to be the alarina between two people and try to match them based on community practices, knowledge and information about both parties.

So, the chances of meeting somebody are much higher, and you don’t end up swiping from morning till night without finding who you are looking for. You are being matched based on philosophies and principles, particularly Omoluabi – which is one of the core foundations upon which the algorithm is built.”

Awofisoye said he and his team planned to further develop the platform by introducing additional features and improvements to enhance users’ experience.

The new platform represents an evolution of Nigeria’s matchmaking app scene from generic global swiping platforms to culture-specific, indigenous apps built for intentional dating, long-term relationships and marriage.