Ishiekwene Tasks Journalists On Innovation As MTN Launches MIP-4 Fellowship

The Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, has called on media practitioners to embrace innovation as a core strategy for relevance and sustainability in the rapidly evolving media ecosystem.

Ishiekwene made this charge while delivering a lecture to the 20 fellows selected for the fourth cohort of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP-4), which officially commenced on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

The veteran journalist averred that the media industry must move beyond lip service to innovation and take bold steps toward transforming outdated processes, structures, and content production models.

“Innovation is not just about technology. In media, it includes rethinking editorial processes, breaking down silos between departments, and training staff to work across all functions.

“True innovation begins when we stop doing things that no longer work. Media managers must move away from commoditised content and embrace strategies that support editorial and commercial creativity,” Ishiekwene said.

Quoting American football player Kelvin Anderson, Ishiekwene emphasised that successful innovation involves knowing what to stop doing to create space for growth and impact.

He advised media organisations to establish measurable performance metrics, encourage continuous training, both locally and internationally and prioritise collaboration between editorial, commercial, and technological arms.

The lecture set the tone for the commencement of the six-month MTN Media Innovation Programme, a partnership between MTN Nigeria and Pan-Atlantic University that equips journalists with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in a tech-driven media landscape.

The fully funded programme includes classroom sessions, innovation labs, and a study tour to South Africa. Participants will visit media and tech institutions, including the MTN Group headquarters and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

As MTN launches its fourth cohort, Ishiekwene urged fellows to survive and thrive in today’s media space, adding that “innovation must not be optional, but it must be intentional.”

Welcoming the fellows during the opening session, the dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, who was represented by a faculty member at the School, Professor Ngozi Opera, commended MTN Nigeria for its continued investment in media development.

“This programme reflects the realities of today’s technologically driven world. We are proud to collaborate with MTN to empower a new generation of media professionals who can lead innovation and excellence in the industry,” he said.

Selected from over 3,000 applicants nationwide, the 20 fellows include top journalists, editors, content creators, and tech journalists. LEADERSHIP, Royal Ibeh, and editor-in-chief, Technext, David Afolayan, were chosen for their outstanding essays and commitment to transforming Nigerian journalism.

MTN Nigeria’s chief corporate services and sustainability officer, Tobe Okigbo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering a free and independent press through capacity-building initiatives.

“MIP is a testament to our belief in the power of the media to shape society. By investing in the professional growth of journalists, we are investing in the future of storytelling in Nigeria,” Okigbo said.