Free Media Training: MIIA Launches 2nd Cohort With Industry Icons

The Media Integrity Initiative Africa (MIIA) has announced the second edition of its free quarterly media training series, following a successful debut in April 2025.

According to the non-governmental organisation, the upcoming sessions are scheduled for Saturday, July 12 and Saturday, July 19, 2025, and will be held virtually from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, MIIA coordinator Femi Akintunde-Johnson said the board of facilitators had approved a robust curriculum, training schedule and a lineup of distinguished media professionals who would lead the sessions.

Day 1 – Saturday, 12 July 2025 is for course 1: Emerging Trends in Media Management, Facilitator: Azu Ishiekwene (Former Editor and Executive Director, The Punch and currently Senior Vice Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, LEADERSHIP Newspapers; ) Course 2: Fundamentals of Health Reporting and Editing, Facilitator: Oluyinka Shokunbi,  (Veteran Health Editor; President, Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria; Managing Editor, HealthStylePlus Online), Day 2 – Saturday, 19 July 2025 is for Course 3: Mastering Broadcast Media Management, Facilitator: Deji Balogun (Veteran Broadcaster; former General Manager, Lagos Television; ex-Abuja Station Manager, Channels TV); Course 4: Energy Reporting: Challenges and Strategies, Facilitator: Yakubu Lawal, mnipr, (Former Energy Editor, The Guardian; ex-Special Assistant to two Power Ministers; Chairman, Society of Energy Editors)

Akintunde-Johnson stated that participation in the training, including registration is entirely free and interested individuals can register at: 🔗 https://forms.gle/PWGe2XnsHD1Em7zL7

Reflecting on the initiative’s growing momentum, media strategist and former Anambra State commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, Dr. Tony Onyima, described MIIA as a vital intervention in the profession.

“As we prepare to welcome the second cohort of MIIA this July, I am filled with renewed purpose. The training is designed to meet the growing demands on journalists to uphold ethics, accuracy, and innovation in a rapidly evolving information ecosystem. MIIA is more than a training programme—it is a movement to nurture a new cadre of bold, ethical, and impact-driven African media professionals.”

Johnson Onime, public relations expert and former Executive Director, Corporate and Public Affairs at Daar Communications PLC, also commended the initiative: “The first session in April was fantastic. With the calibre of facilitators assembled for this second edition—each a standout in their field—participants can expect an experience that is intellectually enriching and professionally transformative.”