By Chinwendu Obienyi
The Sun Newspaper’s ICT reporter, Chinenye Anuforo, has emerged victorious in the prestigious MTN Foundation Chairman’s Award for Innovative Reportage on the Foundation.
Anuforo’s groundbreaking report on the Foundation’s impactful Y’ellopreneur initiative shattered expectations, earning her the coveted award and a cash prize.
The ceremony, held at the Lagos Business School during the weekend, crackled with excitement as Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunaya Sanya, revealed the winner. Sanya lauded Anuforo for her exceptional report titled, “MTN’s Yellopreneur Initiative Paves Way for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria.” Unlike conventional reports, Anuforo’s work delved deeper, showcasing the Y’ellopreneur programme’s transformative power on the lives of its beneficiaries.
This win is a testament to Anuforo’s dedication to ICT journalism. A graduate of Federal Polytechnic, Oko with a stellar Mass Communication record, she honed her skills for eight years covering the Capital Market before taking the reins of the Sun’s ICT beat. Her sharp journalistic instincts led her to uncover the inspiring stories behind the Y’ellopreneur initiative.
The event also saw Mr. Hussain Abdulrasheed of Premier Radio, Kano walk away with the Chairman Award for his innovative project, while Chinedu Obe Chidi of Ripples Nigeria received recognition for his unwavering dedication throughout the program.
The ceremony marked the completion of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN-MIP-2), a six-week, funded programme designed to empower media professionals. The programme, co-organized by PAU, offered a treasure trove of learning, encompassing courses on modern journalist income streams, creativity, entrepreneurship, cutting-edge technologies like 5G and blockchain, and essential media ethics. The program even whisked participants away on a thrilling study trip to South Africa’s MTN Group headquarters.
The ceremony wasn’t just about celebrating winners, it was a testament to MTN’s unwavering commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s media landscape. As Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Officer of MTN, earlier revealed, the programme was born from a desire to invest in the future. Originally conceived as a lavish anniversary celebration, MTN took a bold turn, opting to empower journalists instead. Okigbo’s words resonated clearly: “Our goal is to help you understand our industry better and advance your reporting skills.”
With the MTN Media Innovation Programme a resounding success, Chinenye Anuforo’s triumph serves as a beacon of inspiration for journalists across Nigeria. It’s a clear message: unveil impactful stories, and you too could be the next winner.