)
MTN has unveiled the list of the 20 successful candidates for the 2025 Media Innovation Program.
For a fourth consecutive year, renowned telecommunications company MTN has continued to set the pace, supporting journalists and on-air personnel to see that the quality of information disseminated in the media in Nigeria is top-notch, fact-checked, and not one that will be harmful to the public.
To do this, the company has invested heavily in training journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria via a program tagged Media Innovation Program — an exercise that is run in partnership with the School of Media and Communications, Pan Atlantic University, Lekki.
Between 2022 when the inaugural program was launched and 2024, about 60 journalists and media personnel have benefited from the benevolence of MTN; many of whom have witnessed a positive career trajectory and gone on to do great things for themselves.
For the 2025 edition (Cohort 4) of the Media Innovation Program, Pulse Sports Nigeria Deputy Managing Editor Asukwo Oduo is privileged to have been selected as one of 20 successful candidates out of over 3,000 applicants.
What is the MTN Media Innovation Program about?
)
The MTN MIP is a 6-week program spread across six months, and includes a study trip to South Africa, where participants will have high-level engagement with key partners and stakeholders.
While welcoming the new intakes, MTN Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo congratulated participants and urged them to bring their best to the program and make it count.
He said: “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.”
Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, Professor Ngozi Opara, represented by Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, stated that graduates of the scheme shape narratives and do more than news reporting.
“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.”
MTN is committed to helping journalists and media persons in the country tell better stories and adapt in an ever-changing media landscape.
The communication giants see members of the press and on-air personalities as key stakeholders in nation building — telling impactful stories and holding the government and citizenry accountable.
2025 MTN MIP [Full List]
)
Here is the full list of the 20 recipients of the 2025 MTN MIP:
Adaku Onyenucheya –The Guardian
Adebayo Adeyemi Micheal – 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 Micheal – Business Day
David Afolayan – TechNext
Desmond Okon – THECABLE
Edun Rebecca – Megaletrics
Eshokeme Oludare James – Africa News
Georgina Ndukwe-Ezeanyika – Arise News Channel
Precious David-Ogaga – NTA
Precious Ijeoma Igbonwelundu – The Nation
Royal Odiri Ibeh – Leadership
Salem King – Digital Content Creator
Tega Onojaife – Smooth 98.1 FM
Vanessa Ukamaka Richard- Bassey – Sparkling 92.3 FM
Zainab Yetunde Adam – SMK Radio 96.5 FM
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)