MTN Nigeria has recognised outstanding journalists, broadcasters, and media innovators at the maiden edition of the Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Alumni Awards held at the MTN Event Centre in Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The event, which gathered media professionals, fellows, and industry stakeholders from across the country, celebrated excellence in storytelling, digital innovation, and social impact reporting while also welcoming the fifth cohort of the Media Innovation Programme.
One of the biggest winners of the night was Johnstone Kpilaakaa, Sub-Editor and Head of Standards at HumAngle Media, who received the Social Impact Story of the Year award alongside a ₦1 million cash prize. His report, “What’s Left of Benue State’s Deserted Communities?”, was recognised for shedding light on displacement, abandoned communities, and the humanitarian crisis affecting residents in Benue State.
Royal Ibeh, Head of Tech Desk at BusinessDay, emerged as the Digital Storyteller of the Year for her investigative report titled “360 Tbps at the Shore, Buffering Inland: Why Nigeria’s Broadband Promise Remains Unfulfilled.” The report explored the disconnect between Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure ambitions and the internet realities faced by millions of users across the country. In addition to a ₦1 million prize, she also received a one-year MTN internet subscription.
Victory Wilson, Broadcast Journalist and News Anchor at Silverbird Television, was named MIP Fellow of the Year in recognition of her work in mental health advocacy, youth engagement, and purpose-driven storytelling. Through her broadcasts and public conversations on emotional well-being, Wilson has consistently used media as a platform for awareness and social change. She received a ₦1.5 million cash reward.
The top honour of the evening, Media Innovator of the Year, was awarded to Chioma Chinyere Chukwuemeka, News Lead at Radio Sapientia 95.3FM Onitsha. She received a ₦3 million prize for Universal Multimedia Impact Resources (UMIR), an AI-powered social impact platform focused on digital safety, ethical technology education, and youth empowerment.
The initiative stood out for its blend of media, education, and technology aimed at supporting women, girls, and young people navigating the digital ecosystem.
Speaking during the event, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, represented by Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, described the programme as more than a fellowship.
According to him, the Media Innovation Programme has evolved into a collaborative community focused on learning, growth, and shaping the future of media across Africa.
“You have joined something truly special. MIP is more than a fellowship; it is a community of people committed to learning, growth, and shaping the future of media together,” he said.
He added that the programme continues to create opportunities for emerging media professionals to build meaningful connections and maximise industry exposure.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, the Media Innovation Programme has become one of Nigeria’s leading media capacity development initiatives.
Through mentorship, training, and international exposure, the programme equips journalists, broadcasters, digital creators, and media professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital media landscape.
