By Charles Akpan
In what many describe as a forward-thinking decision, the Akwa Ibom State Government has signed a major agreement with Media Guru Consultants FZ LLC, Dubai, for the complete modernization of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC). This partnership marks a bold step towards transforming AKBC into a fully digital, world-class broadcast hub that reflects the State’s rising profile under Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The agreement, which covers consultancy, design, procurement, installation, integration, and commissioning of modern broadcast equipment, positions AKBC to operate at par with leading public media outfits globally. But beyond the headline, this collaboration holds deep strategic importance both technically and economically for the future of media in Akwa Ibom.
Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the Governor noted that the contract to transform the organisation into a world class broadcasting outfit was in fulfillment of his campaign promise, and in line with his administration’s determination to upgrade information infrastructure in the state.
“I want to welcome everyone to the signing ceremony of the agreement between Akwa Ibom State Government and Media Guru Consultant, LLC, for the provision of consultancy, design, procurement, and installation of broadcast equipment for AKBC.” The Governor said.
This move by the Akwa Ibom State government is anchored on Global Best Practices. First of all, it is worthy of note that the consultancy firm, Media Guru is a Dubai-based media technology firm with vast experience across television, radio, film, and digital content architecture. With projects executed in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, the company is recognized for delivering end-to-end broadcast solutions from design and engineering to digital migration and staff training.
By bringing Media Guru on board, the Akwa Ibom State Government ensures that AKBC’s modernization follows international broadcast standards including high-definition (HD/4K) capability, IP-based studio systems, and digital asset management. This means the new AKBC will not only serve the State effectively but also stand out as a model of modern public broadcasting in Nigeria.
Secondly is the turnkey approach for efficiency and quality. Setting up or upgrading a broadcast station is not just about constructing buildings or buying transmitters. It is about building a seamless ecosystem that integrates content production, transmission, and digital distribution. Media Guru brings a turnkey solution handling every stage of the process to guarantee compatibility, durability, and professional workflow integration.
Such an approach eliminates the costly fragmentation that often plagues local broadcast projects, where multiple contractors handle different segments without coordination. With Media Guru’s holistic expertise, the AKBC project is poised for technical precision, long-term value, and operational efficiency.
In the area of transparency and value for money, international firms like Media Guru operate under global procurement standards that emphasize accountability and quality assurance. This partnership ensures transparent sourcing of equipment from reputable global manufacturers, reducing the risk of substandard installations or inflated contracts.
Given that broadcast equipment represents a significant capital investment, the involvement of a firm with international reputation guarantees that every naira spent translates into lasting value. The result will be a robust, reliable, and cost-efficient system that serves Akwa Ibom people for decades.
The partnership with Media Guru will advance knowledge transfer and local capacity Building. One of the often-overlooked benefits of engaging global experts is capacity development. Media Guru’s scope of work reportedly includes training for AKBC’s technical, production, and ICT personnel. This ensures that local staff will not only operate but also maintain the new systems without constant external dependence.
In essence, the project will create a new generation of technically skilled broadcast professionals within Akwa Ibom, empowering the State’s media sector and contributing to broader human capital development.
Another benefit is building a digital media hub for the future. The new AKBC is envisioned as more than a traditional radio or television station. It will be a converged media hub capable of producing and transmitting HD television and FM radio content, streaming live online across digital platforms, and managing a digital content archive for easy retrieval and distribution.
This design reflects the future of broadcasting where media consumption increasingly happens across television, radio, and internet platforms.
With this transformation, Akwa Ibom positions itself as a regional leader in digital media innovation.
Learning from global and national precedents, international partnerships in broadcasting are not new and they have proven transformative where applied effectively.
Across the world, countries have partnered with global media technology firms to fast-track modernization. In Nigeria, for instance, several broadcast institutions have worked with international partners to raise their technical and production standards.
Channels Television’s partnership with Deutsche Welle (DW) for training and global news exchange, and NTA’s collaborations with international content providers during the digital migration phase, are examples of how global partnerships strengthen local institutions. So why can’t Akwa Ibom go into a similar partnership?
In the same vein, Media Guru has implemented large-scale broadcast and digital archiving projects in Africa and Asia helping stations adopt modern production systems and expand their global reach.
Akwa Ibom’s choice of Media Guru therefore follows a tested path one that blends local ownership with international technical competence.
These moves align with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Vision. The decision to upgrade AKBC through a reputable global partner fits squarely within Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which emphasizes re-engineering governance, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable development.
By investing in digital media infrastructure, the Governor is not only enhancing state communication capacity but also laying the groundwork for cultural promotion, educational content delivery, and information access for citizens across urban and rural communities.
It also strengthens Akwa Ibom’s position as a forward-looking State that values transparency, innovation, and quality service delivery.
The new AKBC project when completed will stand as a signature project of the Eno administration symbolizing how visionary leadership can blend local ambition with global competence. It will also mark Akwa Ibom’s evolution from a state broadcaster operating within analog limitations to a multi-platform, globally competitive media powerhouse capable of producing, packaging, and exporting content that reflects the State’s culture, achievements, and aspirations.
The Akwa Ibom State Government’s engagement of Media Guru LLC, Dubai, is not just about rebuilding studios, it is about redefining the future of public broadcasting in the State. By embracing global expertise, promoting transparency, and investing in people and technology, Akwa Ibom is setting a benchmark for how public institutions can transform into modern, efficient, and sustainable entities.
In his submissions, the Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on New Media and Digital Communication, Mr. Destiny Young said when the new AKBC begins full operation, it will tell the Akwa Ibom story not just to Nigeria, but to the world in a voice that is clearer, stronger, and prouder than ever before.
“By embracing global expertise, promoting transparency, and investing in people and technology, Akwa Ibom is setting a benchmark for how public institutions can transform into modern, efficient, and sustainable entities” Young emphasized.
Charles Akpan is a Broadcast Journalist and Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media.
