MTN Nigeria on Sunday celebrated exceptional alumni of its Media Innovation Programme at an award night held at the MTN Event Centre, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, with journalists and media innovators receiving recognition for impactful storytelling, innovation and contributions to media development across Africa.
The event brought together fellows, media professionals and industry stakeholders to celebrate achievements recorded through the programme since its launch in partnership with Pan Atlantic University in 2022. The initiative, designed to strengthen media capacity through training, mentorship and international exposure, has continued to equip journalists, broadcasters and digital creators with skills needed in the evolving digital media ecosystem.
The Social Impact Story of the Year award, with a cash prize of N1 million, was presented to Johnstone Kpilaakaa for his report titled, “What’s Left of Benue State’s Deserted Communities?” The report was recognised for shedding light on displacement and abandoned communities in Benue State, while drawing national attention to pressing humanitarian concerns.
Similarly, Royal Ibeh emerged Digital Storyteller of the Year for her report, “360 Tbps at the Shore, Buffering Inland: Why Nigeria’s Broadband Promise Remains Unfulfilled.” In addition to a N1 million cash prize, she also received a one year MTN internet subscription for the report, which examined the gap between Nigeria’s broadband ambitions and the internet realities experienced by citizens.
Recognition for MIP Fellow of the Year went to Victory Wilson for her advocacy in mental health awareness, youth engagement and purpose driven storytelling. Wilson, who received a N1.5 million prize, was commended for using broadcasting and public conversations to promote emotional wellbeing and social impact.
The night’s highest honour, Media Innovator of the Year, was awarded to Chioma Chinyere Chukwuemeka, who received a N3 million prize for developing Universal Multimedia Impact Resources, an Artificial Intelligence powered social impact platform focused on digital safety, ethical technology education and youth empowerment. The initiative was praised for combining media, technology and education to support women, girls and young people.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, represented by Chineze Gbenga Oluwatoye, described the Media Innovation Programme as a growing community committed to learning, collaboration and shaping the future of media. He said the company remained proud of the impact made by alumni of the programme and optimistic about the future of the newly inducted fifth cohort.