Despite Hiccups, MIIA’s July Training Sessions Close On A High

What began as a modest gathering of determined media professionals on Saturday, 12 July, 2025, culminated on the afternoon of 19 July in a stirring affirmation of purpose, passion, and the promise of excellence.

The second edition of the MIIA Training Programme delivered on its lofty expectations, even as it navigated the familiar hurdles of network fluctuations and a few technical hitches.

Participants, drawn from across the country, remained unwavering in their enthusiasm – logging in, staying engaged, and soaking up the wisdom of a dream faculty assembled from the upper echelons of Nigerian journalism.

From the first word by veteran journalist and Media Law Centre’s Richard Akinnola during the opening orientation, to the closing thoughts shared under the guidance of the International Press Centre’s Lanre Arogundade, the virtual classroom brimmed with reflection, rigour, and rare access.

Oluyinka Shokunbi, a trailblazer in health reporting, brought clarity and credibility to a field too often misunderstood, delivering a session that resonated long after the cameras dimmed.

Azu Ishiekwene, ever incisive, opened up emerging contours of media management with a richness that only experience can lend.

A week later, Deji Balogun’s illuminating broadcast media masterclass transported participants through the timelines and tectonic shifts of Nigerian broadcast history – his presence alone was a masterstroke.

Yakubu Lawal wrapped it up with a granular dive into the world of energy journalism, reminding all of the stakes and standards required in that crucial beat.

The feedback from participants was a cocktail of gratitude, admiration and honest suggestion.

From Maryam Bakari’s excitement at finally “having media history at the back of her hand,” to Amos Oladele’s testimony of personal transformation, it was clear that this was no routine workshop.

AbdulMajeed Sulaiman praised the depth of discourse and the sacrifices made to deliver such a packed, insightful programme.

Others, like Afolabi Faramade and Ukpa Ewa Eke, respectfully highlighted areas for technical improvement – particularly on the network front – while expressing appreciation for the learning opportunity.

If the essence of MIIA is to build bridges between veterans and visionaries, then this July’s outing will be remembered as a resounding success.

With the October edition already announced, and an ever-growing community of learners and leaders, the future of specialised media training in Nigeria is looking more assured – thanks to initiatives like these that put substance above spectacle, and knowledge before noise.

For many, it wasn’t just a training; it was a reawakening.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS:

Oluyinka Shokunbi – Veteran Health Reporter & Editor, President of the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria, Managing Editor of HealthStylePlus Online

Azubuike Ishiekwene – Former Editor/Executive Director at Punch Newspaper, Senior Vice Chairman/Editor-In-Chief at Leadership Media Group, Abuja

Deji Balogun – Veteran Broadcaster, Former General Manager at Lagos Television, Ex-Abuja Station Manager at Channels Television

Yakubu Lawal, mnipr – Former Energy Editor, Chairman of Society of Energy Editors, Abuja

THE MOTIVATORS:

Richard Akinnola – Veteran Journalist, Editor & currently Executive Director, Media Law Centre, Abuja

Lanre Arogundade – Veteran Journalist, Editor, currently Executive Director, International Press Centre, Lagos