Government Communications and A’Ibom Information Ministry’s Bold Step Towards Broader Public Enlightenment ‎

Government Communications and A’Ibom Information Ministry’s Bold Step Towards Broader Public Enlightenment
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‎By Lucy Daniel
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‎In a world where communication defines governance and perception shapes trust, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information has once again proven that effective public enlightenment is the lifeline of a functional democracy.

The recent restructuring of the ARISE Update on Radio programme, after an impressive 438 episodes in just eight months, marks a new chapter in the state’s effort to deepen citizen engagement and enhance transparency under Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
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‎For a programme that has consistently bridged the gap between government and the governed, this restructuring is not just administrative. It is strategic, a recalibration designed to strengthen how government achievements and policies are communicated to the people. By focusing on content quality, multi-platform reach, and technological innovation, the Ministry is redefining what public information should look like in the digital age.
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‎Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, deserves commendation for leading this visionary transformation. His recognition of the media as a powerful development tool reflects a deep understanding of governance in the 21st century. With 438 episodes across 13 broadcast platforms, the ARISE Update on Radio has done more than inform, it has educated, inspired, and reconnected citizens to the vision of the ARISE Agenda.
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‎The planned revival of the Ministry’s in-house studio for podcast production is another forward-thinking move. In an era dominated by on-demand digital consumption, podcasts are fast becoming the new frontier for public discourse. The introduction of an ARISE Podcast Series will not only reach citizens at home but also connect with Akwa Ibomites in the diaspora, ensuring that the message of good governance travels without borders.
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‎More importantly, this restructuring signals a government that listens, evolves, and values inclusivity. Broadcasting in both English and vernacular across several FM stations ensures that no community is left behind.

From Comfort FM to Redemption FM, from Memories FM to Heritage FM, every frequency now carries the shared story of development and hope. This is how democracy works, when the message of progress resonates in every tongue and every home.
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‎But beyond the microphones and transmitters lies a deeper message: information is power, and how it is shared determines how citizens participate in governance. The Umo Eno administration’s decision to strengthen media engagement through the Ministry of Information is, therefore, not just about publicity, it is about people. It is about ensuring that farmers in Ika, traders in Ikot Ekpene, teachers in Eket, and professionals in Uyo all have access to the same transparent narrative of governance.
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‎As Akwa Ibom continues to make strides under the ARISE Agenda, effective communication will remain its strongest pillar. The Ministry’s renewed commitment to professionalism, accuracy, and creativity is a model for other states to emulate. After all, development thrives not only where projects are executed but also where people understand, own, and support the vision behind them.
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‎In the final analysis, the restructuring of ARISE Update on Radio is more than a media reform, it is a communication revolution. It tells of a government that values feedback, celebrates innovation, and recognizes the media as a vital partner in the journey toward sustainable development.
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‎Indeed, when communication becomes consistent, truthful, and inclusive, governance ceases to be a mystery, it becomes a shared story of progress. And in Akwa Ibom State, that story is being beautifully told, one broadcast at a time.
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Daniel, SA to the Governor on Media
writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
‎providencemaga@yahoo.com.