Future Media Leaders Begin MTN-funded Programme

Twenty of Africa’s brightest media talents have officially begun the 2025 edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a six-month, fully funded capacity-building initiative designed to empower journalists and content creators with the skills, exposure and insight to lead the future of storytelling in an increasingly digital world.

The 2025 MTN Media Innovation Fellows are Royal Odiri Ibeh from Leadership Newspaper; Adaku Onyenucheya, The Guardian; Adebayo Adeyemi Michael, AIT; Adebayo Rasaq Abolaji, New Telegraph; Adekeye Emmanuel Ayobami, ADAMIM ‘O’ GO 93.1 FM; Amarachi Nkechi Ubani, Channels Television; Asukwo Oduo, Pulse Nigeria; Blessings Mosugu, News Central TV; Chinwe Peace Michael, Business Day; David Afolayan, TechNext and Desmond Okon, THECABLE.

Others are Edun Rebecca, Megaletrics; Eshokeme Oludare James, Africa News; Georgina Ndukwe-Ezeanyika, Arise News Channel; Precious David-Ogaga, NTA; Precious Ijeoma Igbonwelundu, The Nation; Salem King, Digital Content Creator; Tega Onojaife, Smooth 98.1 FM; Vanessa Ukamaka Richard-Bassey, Sparkling 92.3 FM and Zainab Yetunde Adam, SMK Radio 96.5 FM.

Now in its fourth year, the programme is a partnership between MTN Nigeria and the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University. This year’s fellows were selected from over 3,000 applications across Nigeria’s media space—including print, broadcast, digital and online platforms.
The 2025 cohort represents a new generation of African media professionals with the potential to shape narratives and redefine journalism across the continent. The programme’s structure includes classroom learning, field visits to media and tech hubs, hands-on projects, and an international study trip to South Africa, underscoring its global perspective.

Chief corporate services and sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, at the opening ceremony held in Lagos, emphasised the strategic vision behind the initiative.
“It is a privilege to welcome the fourth cohort. MIP began as an idea within my team and has become one of the most impactful initiatives I am proud of at MTN. Out of more than 3,000 applications, only 20 people were selected.

This speaks to the calibre of talent we are nurturing. We want journalists who are passionate about this country and are committed to making it better. Bring your best self to the programme and make it count,” Okigbo averred.

Launched in 2022, the MTN Media Innovation Programme was created to deepen the understanding of how technology intersects with journalism and communication. Through a blend of academic and real-world experiences, fellows are encouraged to reimagine the role of media in Africa’s development.

The dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya noted that the programme was about more than just enhancing reporting skills.

Obiaya, who was represented by professor Ngozi Opara, said, “We are proud to partner with MTN in preparing media professionals to lead in a digital-first and ethically grounded media environment. Our graduates do more than report the news. They shape narratives and influence society. MIP is about rethinking how we tell stories in an age of artificial intelligence, data and innovation.”

One of the programme’s standout features is the international study component. Fellows will travel to the University of Johannesburg and engage with top-level stakeholders in South Africa’s government, media and business sectors. The trip is designed to expand their worldview, foster cross-border collaboration and deepen Nigeria-South Africa media relations.

Each fellow will also be required to conceptualise and execute an innovative media project aimed at addressing a pressing challenge or transforming the media landscape in Nigeria and beyond.