By Solomon Okpo
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the media landscape, announcing that Governor Umo Eno will this month launch the construction of an ultra-modern broadcasting complex for the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC).
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Executive of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATAWU) on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Hon. Umanah revealed that the proposed AKBC facility will feature a state-of-the-art studio and will, upon completion, stand among Nigeria’s leading media complexes.
The Commissioner applauded RATAWU for its critical role in amplifying the programs and policies of the present administration, particularly the ARISE Agenda, a transformative development blueprint targeting grassroots empowerment, healthcare access, youth employment, and agricultural revitalization. He urged the union to continue using its platforms to promote the agenda’s objectives across the state.
Highlighting the synergy between government and the media sector, Umanah pledged deeper collaboration with RATAWU, promising to support their institutional growth and welfare needs.
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of RATAWU, Comrade Macben Joe, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment, describing him as a seasoned professional and an asset to the state’s communication machinery. He noted Umanah’s extensive experience, having served two previous administrations in similar capacity.
Joe also appealed for government intervention in securing a permanent secretariat for RATAWU, which has operated from a rented office for nearly four decades. Additionally, he sought state support for the union’s quest to secure a seat in the national executive council during the forthcoming RATAWU elections.
Also present at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, commended the resilience of RATAWU members and encouraged them to intensify efforts in supporting the state’s vision for a more robust and responsive media sector.
