Gov Umo Eno Pledges Support As C54 News Selects Akwa Ibom For Operational Headquarters

Akwa Ibom State is set to host the operational headquarters of C54 News, a new digital news network promoted by Future One Africa Network, FOAN, as the organization moves to establish a media platform to serve audiences across Africa and beyond.

 

Governor Umo Eno welcomed the investment on Monday when he received the management team of C54 News at Government House, Uyo.

The Governor described the decision to site the organization’s operational base in Akwa Ibom as a vote of confidence in the state and assured the management of government’s support and partnership.

 

He said the entry of the media organization aligns with Akwa Ibom’s growing profile as a destination for investment and institutional development.

Governor Eno used the meeting to make a case for journalism built on credibility, balance, objectivity and professional independence.

He urged C54 News to build a platform that gives Nigeria and Africa fair representation, while resisting political or ownership interests that could compromise editorial judgement.

“We look forward to working with you; and, apart from projecting Africa, we also want you to positively project our country, Nigeria,” the Governor said.

According to him, the media wields considerable influence over public perception and must exercise that responsibility without sacrificing accuracy or fairness.

“Some media organisations today, when you listen to them, you will quickly know that their news reports are seriously tilted to suit the interests of the owners and their political leanings.

“So, strive to be a news channel that is neutral and non-partisan in every issue reported to the public in order to earn their support and patronage through credible and responsible journalism,” he said.

Governor Eno likened the responsibility of the media to that of a referee.
“The media should be like a referee, simply to ensure a transparent and fair play of the match in order to win the trust and confidence of the listening and reading public,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the FOAN Team Lead, Prof. Agbo Madaki, who represented the organisation’s Chairman, Prof. Pat Utomi, said the choice of Akwa Ibom was informed by the state’s development trajectory and investment in modern infrastructure.

Madaki described C54 News as “Africa’s first truly digital news network,” conceived on the continent to serve African and international audiences.

 

He said the organization intends to establish its international headquarters in Akwa Ibom, positioning the state as a key base for its media operations.

 

He also commended Governor Eno’s administration for its development initiatives, noting that Akwa Ibom has the potential to provide useful lessons for sustainable development and infrastructure delivery across Nigeria.

 

He cited facilities such as the international airport terminal, international convention centre and international hospital among developments that influenced the organization’s assessment of the state.

Members of the FOAN delegation included Idris-Etanami Usman, Obong Umana Okon Umana, CON, Chief Grace Ihonvbere, Reverend Barnabas Arcastus, Mr. Fidelis Mbah, Onyekachi Emenogu and Yobo Tiffany Omoike.

 

Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; Commissioner for Information, Elder Dr. Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Uko Udom, SAN; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Godwin Udo; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh; and other government officials.