Royal Ibeh, BusinessDay’s head of Tech Desk, has emerged as the Digital Storyteller of the Year at the inaugural MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Alumni Awards, held on Sunday at the MTN Event Centre, Lagos.
Ibeh received a N1 million cash prize alongside a one-year MTN internet subscription for her report titled, “360 Tbps at the Shore, Buffering Inland: Why Nigeria’s Broadband Promise Remains Unfulfilled.”
The report was recognised for its in-depth examination of Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure ambitions and the persistent connectivity challenges experienced by millions of Nigerians despite growing submarine cable capacity and investments in digital infrastructure.
The award formed part of MTN Nigeria’s inaugural MIP Alumni Award Night, which celebrated exceptional alumni of the Media Innovation Programme for impactful journalism, innovation, and contributions to media development across Africa.
Speaking at the event, MTN Nigeria said the awards were designed to recognise fellows whose work continues to shape conversations, drive social impact, and redefine storytelling in the digital age.
Another major winner was Johnstone Kpilaakaa, sub-editor and head of standards at HumAngle Media, who received the Social Impact Story of the Year award and a N1 million prize for his report, “What’s Left of Benue State’s Deserted Communities?”
The report highlighted the humanitarian realities of displacement and abandoned communities in Benue State, drawing attention to the social consequences of insecurity and conflict in the region.
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. Wilson received a N1.5 million prize for using broadcasting and public conversations to promote emotional well-being and social awareness.
The night’s highest honour, Media Innovator of the Year, went to Chioma Chinyere Chukwuemeka, News Lead at Radio Sapientia 95.3FM Onitsha.
Chukwuemeka received a N3 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 was recognised for combining media, technology, and education to support women, girls, and young people.
Welcoming the fifth cohort of the programme and reflecting on its growth since launch, Tobe Okigbo, chief corporate services and sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, represented by Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, described the initiative as more than a fellowship.
“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.
“For those just joining, this is your opportunity to write your own story, build meaningful connections, and maximise the experiences ahead of you.
We are proud of what this programme has become, proud of the alumni who continue to make an impact across the industry, and excited about the journey ahead for the new cohort.”
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, the Media Innovation Programme has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading media capacity-development initiatives.
Through training, mentorship, and international exposure, the programme continues to equip journalists, broadcasters, digital creators, and media professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital media space.
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