C54 News unveils global streaming hub in Uyo, targets 54 African countries

By Emmanuel Sampson, Uyo

The C54 News Network is set to redefine African journalism and reshape the continent’s global media representation with the unveiling of its global streaming dome in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The initiative, which aims to establish a media presence across all 54 African countries, is designed to provide a platform for African stories, voices, cultures and developments, while challenging what its promoters describe as the persistent misrepresentation of the continent by foreign media organisations.

Disclosing this to journalists in Uyo ahead of the official launch, a partner in the project and Executive Director of Estate Development at the Federal Housing Authority, Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok, said Africa must move beyond lamenting how it is portrayed internationally and begin to tell its own stories.

According to him, C54 News is equipped with state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities capable of competing with established international media organisations, including CNN and Al Jazeera.

He described the decision to establish the network’s streaming hub in Uyo as evidence of Akwa Ibom State’s capacity to host major international investments and media infrastructure.

“What we have in this station, no other station has it,” Nya-Etok said, expressing confidence in the network’s technical capabilities and its potential to make a significant impact on African journalism.

He explained that C54 News would focus on telling the stories of Africa’s 54 countries, thousands of communities and diverse populations, providing a platform for voices and experiences that are often overlooked in international media coverage.

“C54 News is coming to tell Africa’s story the story of 54 nations, thousands of communities, countless voices and an ever-changing continent. C54 News wants to harvest the story of Africa,” he said.

Nya-Etok stressed that the network was not intended to function merely as a Nigerian television station but as a continental media platform with an international outlook.

“This is not Nigeria television. This is Africa,” he said, drawing comparisons with major global news organisations.

He disclosed that the network planned to establish three centres in Nigeria, mentioning Uyo and Abuja, while identifying Akwa Ibom as the location of its streaming dome.

He added that Nigeria would account for approximately 25 per cent of the network’s content, with the remaining coverage reflecting developments across the continent.

The project, he said, would establish a presence in all 54 African countries, enabling the network to cover a broad range of political, economic, social and cultural issues.

The C54 News global streaming dome was unveiled by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, who served as the chief unveiler at the ceremony. Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, attended as the special guest of honour.

The founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of C54 News and FOAN Group, Idris Etanami Usman, is leading the initiative.

Nya-Etok also highlighted the potential economic benefits of establishing the network’s streaming hub in Akwa Ibom, arguing that the project could help attract international investors and draw greater attention to the state’s infrastructure and investment opportunities.

He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be associated with the project, describing the investment as a source of pride for Akwa Ibom.

According to him, the establishment of the facility demonstrates that major investments can be attracted to the state and that its development potential deserves greater recognition.

He also observed that people were moving into Akwa Ibom for various opportunities, sometimes without residents being fully aware of the scale of the changes taking place.

Nya-Etok called on prominent individuals and stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state, insisting that influence and public recognition should be accompanied by tangible achievements.

“If you are a big man and you feel you are important, show us what you have brought to Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

He added that public service and leadership should be measured not merely by appointments or positions held but by the lasting contributions individuals make to society.

Reflecting on his own experience, Nya-Etok disclosed that his current appointment was the first government appointment he had received.

He expressed optimism that C54 News would become a game changer in media development and African journalism, particularly by creating opportunities for broader coverage of the continent’s affairs.

Beyond the media project, Nya-Etok addressed Nigeria’s political and economic direction, stressing the importance of responsible leadership choices as the country approaches another campaign season.

He said Nigeria, with a population of more than 200 million people, could not afford political instability or prolonged uncertainty, urging citizens to pay close attention to the leaders they elect.

On the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nya-Etok expressed support for its continuation, arguing that the government should be given the opportunity to complete its programmes.

He said improving production and economic activity required addressing critical challenges, particularly electricity supply and other factors affecting businesses and national development.

According to him, the government’s efforts to address these challenges should be considered in assessing the country’s economic direction.

He further described politics as a complex process involving multiple considerations rather than a straightforward undertaking.

Nya-Etok also expressed support for Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to seek a second term, citing what he described as the governor’s achievements and emphasis on rural development.

He maintained that the state’s development efforts should be assessed in terms of their impact on communities and the benefits delivered to residents.