MTN unveils Soccernet.ng Editor and 19 others as Media Innovation Programme fellows

Soccernet.ng Editor, Ayomide Oguntimehin, has been selected as one of the 20 fellows for the Media Innovation Programme by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the School of Media and Communications at the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

The fellowship program aims to equip media practitioners with the necessary knowledge to transform the industry, with a particular focus on the intersection of media and technology.

Oguntimehin emerged as one of the successful fellows out of a pool of over 2,700 applicants. Over the course of six months, the selected fellows will undergo comprehensive training that will enhance their understanding of Nigeria's technology sector and its impact on the media landscape.

Additionally, they will have access to a network of professionals and receive mentorship from the esteemed faculty at the School of Media and Communications.

Expressing his congratulations to the fellows, Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services Officer of MTN Nigeria, emphasized the importance of remaining innovative in the rapidly evolving media landscape. He stated, “The world is constantly changing, and media practice has been altered with advancements in technology. The modern media practitioner needs to remain innovative, which is the essence of the MIP. We have seen the impact of the program among media practitioners and are motivated by the value this cohort will bring to media practice in Nigeria.”

The fully-funded fellowship program includes a certificate of completion, as well as study visits to the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa and the MTN Group Headquarters. This unique opportunity will expose the fellows to diverse perspectives and further enrich their knowledge and expertise.

Among the distinguished list of fellows selected for the 2023 Media Innovation Programme are notable professionals such as editors, correspondents, and content creators from prominent media organizations across Nigeria. Together, this cohort is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of media practice in the country.

Oguntimehin's inclusion as a fellow in the program reflects his commitment to enhancing sports journalism and leveraging technology to reshape the industry. His role as an Editor at www.Ezenwoko's blog.ng positions him as a valuable asset in driving innovation and delivering compelling sports content to audiences nationwide.

With the Media Innovation Programme set to equip fellows with new insights and resources, it is anticipated that this initiative will foster a positive transformation within the Nigerian media landscape, ensuring its continued relevance and impact in the digital era.

Fellow participants for the 2023 programme include Abbas Jimoh, Assistant Editor at Media Trust Group (Daily Trust Newspapers); Abdulrasheed Hussain, News Editor at Premier Radio 102.7 FM, Kano; Adediran Olufemi Adeleke, Correspondent at New Telegraph Newspaper; Anuoluwapo Temitope Odubanjo, Founder and Content Writer at FabWoman Nigeria; Babajide Awoyinfa, Principal Correspondent at News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Basit Jamiu, Human Interest and Diaspora News Editor at Legit Nigeria; Chinedu Chidi, Editor of Special Projects at Ripples Nigeria; Chinenye Francisca Anuforo, ICT Correspondent at The Sun Newspapers; David Michael Oputah, Managing Editor at BizWatch Nigeria Limited; Efunnuga Oluwaseun Yemisi, Marketing and Content Associate at Pulse Nigeria; Elizabeth Modupeoluwa Musa, TV Producer/Presenter at News Central Television; Emmanuel Erhunwhunse Paul, Managing Editor at TechPoint; Ezinne Glory Alozie, Reporter/Editor/News Producer at Darling 107.3FM; Frank Eleanya, Head of Technology Desk at Business Day; Okonji Emmanuel, ICT Editor at ThisDay Newspapers; Okoye Ukamaka Perpetua, West Africa Correspondent at Deutsche Welle (DW); Todah Opeyemi, Senior Editor at Zikoko Citizen; Victor Ogunyinka, Managing Editor, Online, Nigerian Tribune; and Victory Wilson Chinedum, Newscaster, TV Presenter & Producer at Silverbird Television.