By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Political economist and public affairs analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has announced plans to unveil the streaming dome of C54 News, a pan-African broadcast, technology and communications venture, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Utomi disclosed this in a statement published on his official X handle on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following the arrival of Botswana’s immediate past president, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The former Botswana leader was received by Utomi, alongside members of the Board of the FOAN Group, owners of C54 News, and officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
According to Utomi, former Nigerian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as business leaders, including Mustapha Njie of Taf Africa Global, are expected to join the event to unveil the streaming dome located atop Udom Emmanuel Towers in Uyo.
Utomi, who is chairman of the FOAN Group, said the initiative seeks to bring African countries closer together while strengthening the continent’s engagement with the rest of the world through broadcasting, technology and communications.
He said he would use his welcome address at the event to unveil C54 News’ mission of creating a new narrative about Africa, challenging negative perceptions and promoting the continent’s economic and development prospects.
The media initiative, he explained, aligns with the vision of the Pan-African Private Sector Trade and Investment Committee (PAFTRAC), which serves as a think tank on trade and investment matters for the African Union through the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank.
Utomi noted that his position as chairman of PAFTRAC creates a convergence of purpose and shared values between the media venture and the organisation’s drive to promote continental integration, trade and investment.
He expressed optimism that the launch would strengthen efforts to integrate African economies, expand cross-border commerce and increase the continent’s contribution to international trade, which he described as abysmally low.
The political economist said C54 News would operate through studios in Nairobi, Dakar, Abuja and other locations across Africa to provide broader coverage of the continent and project its stories to international audiences.
According to him, the initiative is designed to challenge the danger of a “single story” about Africa, whereby limited or distorted narratives shape global perceptions of the continent.
He argued that negative perceptions of Africa could fuel prejudices that translate into higher financial transaction costs for African businesses dealing with Wall Street and European banks.
Utomi said he had previously addressed the issue at the World Trade Organisation’s public forum in Geneva, including discussions held last year and in September 2026.
He expressed hope that the C54 News initiative would contribute to changing the narrative about Africa, strengthening confidence in its economies and creating greater opportunities for trade, investment and international partnerships.
The unveiling of the streaming dome is expected to bring together political leaders, business executives and other stakeholders interested in Africa’s economic integration and the role of media in shaping the continent’s global image.
