Media entrepreneur, journalist, storyteller and host of #WithChude, Chude Jideonwo, was among the Founding Voices who joined Mfon Ekpo at the launch of the Global Knowledge Center in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, marking a significant milestone in Ekpo’s vision to create a world-class hub for knowledge, leadership and human development in Africa. The launch formed part of the Global Knowledge Festival, hosted by the state governor and featuring global leadership teacher John C. Maxwell alongside other distinguished speakers and voices from across the continent and beyond. Jideonwo’s participation reflected his long-standing relationship with Ekpo, whom he describes as his best friend, sister, coach, cheerleader and accountability partner.
Jideonwo has closely followed Ekpo’s journey with the Global Knowledge Center, having been among the first to see the expansive site several months before its completion. Reflecting on the occasion, he celebrated Ekpo’s willingness to undertake what he described as a “huge, scary, expensive project” with her own resources and without waiting for others to make the first move. As one of the Founding Voices invited to participate in the launch, Jideonwo joined a gathering centred on the power of knowledge, leadership, possibility and the work of building institutions capable of shaping Africa’s future.
For Jideonwo, the opening of the Global Knowledge Center represented more than the completion of an ambitious physical project; it was a manifestation of the philosophy Ekpo has championed through her work, dreaming boldly, taking action and excavating greatness. Celebrating his friend after the launch, Jideonwo described the centre as a powerful expression of that vision and congratulated Ekpo on bringing the world to Uyo through the Global Knowledge Festival. His participation as a Founding Voice further connected his work in storytelling, leadership, media and human development to a growing platform dedicated to advancing knowledge and possibility from Africa to the world.
