MTN Nigeria Honors Graduates at Media Innovation Program Alumni Awards Night
MTN Nigeria recently celebrated the achievements of outstanding graduates from its Media Innovation Program (MIP) during the MIP Alumni Awards Night at the MTN Events Center in Ikoyi, Lagos State. The event, held on May 17, 2026, brought together Fellows, media professionals, innovators, and industry leaders to recognize the significant contributions to storytelling and media development across Africa.
Recognizing Impactful Journalism
The Social Impact Story of the Year Award, accompanied by a prize of ₦1 million, was bestowed upon Johnstone Kpilaakaa, the Deputy Editor and Head of Standards at HumAngle Media. His compelling report, “What remains of devastated communities in Benue State?”, garnered praise for shedding light on the realities faced by displaced and abandoned communities, thereby addressing urgent humanitarian and social issues.
Highlighting Digital Narratives
Royal Ibeh, Head of the Technology Desk at BusinessDay, received the Digital Storyteller of the Year award for his insightful report, “360 Tbps on the coast, buffering inland: why Nigeria’s broadband promise is not being fulfilled.” This recognition came with a cash prize of ₦1 million and a one-year MTN internet subscription. His work effectively illustrated the disconnect between Nigeria’s ambitious broadband infrastructure goals and the internet experience of millions of Nigerians.
Championing Mental Health Advocacy
The MIP Fellow of the Year award was awarded to Victory Wilson, a broadcast journalist and news anchor at Silverbird Television. She earned this accolade for her dedication to mental health advocacy, youth engagement, and purpose-driven storytelling, receiving a prize of ₦1.5 million. Through her broadcasts and public discussions focusing on spiritual well-being, Wilson has utilized media as a powerful tool for social impact.
Innovation in Media and Technology
The evening’s highest honor, the Media Innovator of the Year award, was presented to Chioma Chinyele Chukwuemeka, news leader at Radio Sapientia 95.3FM Onitsha. She was awarded £3 million for her initiative, Universal Multimedia Impact Resources (UMIR), an AI-driven platform designed for digital safety, ethical technology education, and youth empowerment. The initiative has been recognized for its innovative approach to integrating media, technology, and education to uplift women, girls, and youth.
Reflections on Program Growth and Impact
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, addressed the fifth cohort of MIP graduates, emphasizing the program’s focus on collaboration, growth, and shared impact. He remarked, “You have all joined something truly special. MIP is more than just a fellowship; it is a community dedicated to learning and shaping the future of media together.” Okigbo expressed pride in the program’s evolution and its graduates’ ongoing influence in the industry, encouraging new participants to maximize their experience.
Building Future Leaders in Media
Launched in 2022 in collaboration with Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication, the Media Innovation Program has established itself as one of Nigeria’s foremost initiatives in media capacity development. By offering training, mentorship, and international exposure, the program continues to equip journalists, broadcasters, digital creators, and media professionals with essential skills to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
