Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled plans to establish the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, a major media sector reform aimed at driving innovation, digital transformation, financial sustainability, and global competitiveness in public broadcasting.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning public broadcasting through the proposed establishment of the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), a move designed to transform the state’s media landscape and align it with global industry standards.
The Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this during a public hearing on a bill seeking to repeal the existing Broadcasting Corporation Law, Cap. 20, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, and replace it with a new legal framework establishing the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation.
The public hearing, held at Lutton Park Hotel, brought together lawmakers, government officials, media practitioners, labour representatives, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and management staff of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC).
According to Umanah, the proposed legislation represents a significant institutional reform aimed at enhancing efficiency, innovation, professionalism, and sustainability within the state’s broadcasting sector.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, the commissioner explained that the bill was initiated by the State Executive Council under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno as part of efforts to modernise and expand the scope of the state’s broadcasting operations.
He noted that the proposed law contains six parts and 43 sections covering the establishment, governance, funding structure, operational framework, and powers of the new corporation.
Umanah stated that transforming AKBC into the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation aligns with the administration’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises the development of strong institutions capable of driving economic growth, social development, and effective public service delivery.
A key objective of the proposed corporation, according to the commissioner, is the creation of a financially sustainable broadcasting model capable of generating revenue beyond traditional government allocations.
He explained that the corporation would be empowered to explore multiple income streams through advertising, content syndication, sponsorship arrangements, strategic partnerships, and digital media services.
The proposed framework is expected to reduce dependence on public funding while strengthening operational efficiency and long-term viability.
Beyond financial sustainability, the new corporation is expected to accelerate digital transformation through investments in modern broadcasting technology, innovative content production, and digital distribution platforms.
Umanah said the initiative would improve audience engagement, enhance content quality, and expand the reach of Akwa Ibom stories to national and international audiences.
The commissioner also highlighted the economic benefits of the reform, noting that the corporation would stimulate job creation and support the growth of the state’s creative economy.
According to him, opportunities would be created for journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, content creators, musicians, actors, engineers, marketers, and digital media professionals.
He further explained that the proposed corporation would serve as a strategic platform for public enlightenment campaigns, investment promotion, tourism marketing, and cultural preservation initiatives.
Through documentaries, indigenous language programming, educational content, and coverage of cultural festivals, the corporation is expected to contribute to preserving the cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State while promoting social cohesion and unity.
Describing the initiative as a new era for public broadcasting in the state, Umanah stressed that the proposal extends beyond a simple name change and represents a deliberate effort to build a technologically driven, professionally managed, and globally competitive media institution.
He called on stakeholders to actively contribute to the legislative process, expressing confidence that the proposed law would provide a strong foundation for the emergence of one of Nigeria’s leading public broadcasting institutions.
The commissioner also commended Governor Umo Eno, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, members of the State Executive Council, and the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for supporting the reform initiative.
He urged lawmakers to expedite consideration and passage of the bill to facilitate the establishment of the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation and accelerate the state’s broader media modernisation agenda.
If enacted, the legislation is expected to mark a significant milestone in Akwa Ibom’s efforts to build a sustainable, technology-driven, and globally competitive public broadcasting institution capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving media environment.
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