MIIA sets to restore African media excellence

With a coterie of 20 ace media professionals, the newly launched Media Integrity Initiative Africa (MIIA) is set to reclaim the integrity, responsibility and excellence in African journalism.

MIIA is an NGO committed to teaching and training media practitioners – free of charge – on the ethics, demands and practices of responsible, people-focused journalism. Through structured online training, expert mentorship and practical leadership, the initiative seeks to nurture a new generation of ethical and proficient media professionals.

At the heart of MIIA’s mission is the principle of “training the trainers and the trainable” – ensuring that media professionals not only attain personal excellence, but also become role models and influencers within the industry.

The initiative offers a quarterly curriculum, featuring online courses and electives tailored to different sectors of the media space, ranging from investigative journalism and ethical reporting to broadcast presentation, financial reporting, and entertainment media.

To drive this vision, MIIA has assembled a formidable Board of Facilitators – an exclusive network of renowned editors, broadcasters, media executives and journalism scholars. These distinguished professionals, including Lanre Idowu, Richard Akinnola, Ohi Alegbe, Tony Onyima, Tokunbo Ojekunle, Adeboye Ola, Azu Ishiekwene, Seun Olagunju, Marcel Okeke and Lekan Otufodunrin, will lead structured training modules designed to equip participants with the highest standards of media professionalism.

Others are Yakubu Lawal, Fisayo Soyombo, Michael Effiong, Deji Balogun, Yinka Shokunbi, Monday Ashibogwu, Olumide Iyanda, Johnson Onime, Lanre Arogundade and Alex Ogundadegbe.

All training sessions will be conducted virtually, ensuring unrestricted access to aspiring and practicing media professionals across Africa. Participation is entirely free, with no financial, political or ideological barriers – except that enrollees must be Africans involved in, or interested in media-related careers.

“We are building a future where African media is defined by trust, accuracy and a commitment to the public good,” Femi Akintunde-Johnson, Coordinator of MIIA, said. “Our facilitators are not just teachers; they are industry icons with decades of experience, stepping forward to ensure that the next generation of journalists and media practitioners uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.”

As the MIIA opens enrolment for its first training sessions in April 2025, it invites media professionals, students and enthusiasts to seize the rare opportunity to learn from some of the finest minds in African journalism. To explore the MIIA vision, programmes and facilitator lineup, interested participant can visit: https://bsacademy2000.wixsite.com/miia.