An intercontinental television channel has been unveiled in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with three former African presidents in attendance.

The television channel which is birthed to tell the African story by Africans is called C54 news with production hub in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria.

Former Nigerian Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as well as the immediate past President of Botswana, His Excellency, Mokgweetsi Masisi with other dignitaries were in attendance.

The studios of C54 News is located within the Dakkada Towers, Banking Layout, Uyo. It boast of world class broadcast equipment not common to any news station in Nigeria.

Speaking during a media interaction before the unveiling of C54 News, the Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Arch Ezekiel Nya Etok, said the establishment of C54 News in Uyo would give the state greater visibility in the African continent thereby attract visitors and investors to the state.

According to him, the presence of C54 News in Uyo will create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans, hospitality operators and young people.

He also hinted that the hidden potentials of the state in the tourism sector will be packaged and presented to the world where holiday makers all over Africa will take advantage of the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, including the renowned raffia industry in Ikot Ekpene and the scenic beaches of Uruan and Ibeno.

“It will not just be news about politics but documentaries that will tell our stories to the right ears through sustained media attention”

Arch Nya Etok commended past leaders of Akwa Ibom State who through their vision put the necessary infrastructures on ground for sustainable development of the state.

He challenged those who see themselves as prominent men to think of what they can bring to the state that will add value and change the socio-economic fortunes of the state and the people.

” If you are a big man in this state and cannot show your footprints keep quite and don’t distract the governor” he stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, respect and responsiveness in its daily interactions with members of the public.

The commitment was the central message at the Command’s celebration of this year’s Customer Service Week, held at the Command Headquarters, Uyo.

Addressing officers and stakeholders at the event, the Commissioner emphasized that, within the Nigeria Police Force, public service is inseparable from the core responsibility of maintaining law and order. He noted that every interaction whether receiving a complaint, responding to a distress call or providing assistance has a direct impact on public confidence in the Police.

He therefore charged all officers and personnel to be courteous, patient, impartial and prompt in the discharge of their duties, urging them to listen attentively, explain their actions clearly and treat every member of the public with dignity, irrespective of status or background.

The Commissioner also used the occasion to address critical security concerns in the State and called for a collaborative approach involving the Police, Government, traditional and community leaders, parents and all responsible citizens.

On cybercrime, the Commissioner urged members of the public, particularly youths, to use digital platforms responsibly, protect their personal information and verify information before sharing it. Victims of online fraud were encouraged to preserve relevant evidence and report incidents promptly to the Police.

While warning against mob action and jungle justice, CP Azare reiterated that no allegation justifies violence against a suspect. He noted that such actions can lead to loss of lives, compromise investigations and expose perpetrators to criminal prosecution. Citizens were therefore urged to report suspected crimes and allow the Police and the courts to handle such matters in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner, while acknowledging the importance of culture and cultural activities, cautioned that cultural practices must not be used as a cover for intimidation, assault, extortion or disruption of public peace. He stressed that organizers have a responsibility to ensure that their activities remain peaceful and lawful.

Speaking on the role of the youth, CP Azare described young people as a vital part of the future of Akwa Ibom State and encouraged them to shun violence, cultism and thuggery. He called on parents, educators and community leaders to provide guidance, mentorship and constructive opportunities for young people.

On the protection of critical infrastructure, the Commissioner described the destruction and vandalism of public assets as a threat to the wellbeing of the entire society. He therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police.

The Commissioner also appealed to political leaders and their supporters to act responsibly, emphasizing that political differences must never become an excuse for threats, violence or destruction of property. He urged all stakeholders to ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with the law.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Youth Council of Nigeria (Akwa Ibom Chapter), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, among others.

The Commissioner reassured the people of Akwa Ibom State that the Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and enforcing the law impartially. He appreciated members of the public for their continued cooperation, support and timely provision of information, while urging them to maintain open communication with the Police and promptly report emergencies and suspicious activities through the appropriate channels.

As the Customer Service Week is celebrated, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command renews its commitment to working hand-in-hand with the people to build a safer, more peaceful and law-abiding State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has noted a publication by SaharaReporters alleging that officers returning from a counter-insurgency deployment were made to pay ₦25,000 each as a “transit fee.”

For clarity, the transportation of officers from Uyo to Jaji and back is borne by the Squadron and not by the officers. There is no authorised ₦25,000 transit fee, and officers are not required to fund their official transportation.

The Command takes any allegation of unauthorised demand or collection seriously. Consequently, an inquiry has been ordered to establish what occurred and identify anyone responsible.

According to Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, any personnel found to have demanded or collected money without authority will face appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, prosecution.

The Command invites any officer with direct knowledge of any payment demand or collection to provide relevant details through the appropriate channels. The investigation will be guided by evidence and conducted fairly.

The Command urges the public to treat the reported allegation as a matter requiring verification while the facts are being established.