By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The deadline for submission of entries for the 2026 MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) has been extended to Saturday, April 25.

A statement from the organisers disclosed that applications remain open via the School of Media and Communication website: mtnmip.smc.edu.ng.

The programme is open to media practitioners and digital content creators working across print, electronic, digital, and social media. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, impactful storytelling, and continuous professional development.

The extension provides additional opportunity for qualified media professionals and digital content creators across Nigeria to apply for the highly competitive, fully funded programme, which continues to shape the future of storytelling and media innovation in Africa.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process, with successful applicants commencing the programme in May 2026.

The programme will admit an expanded group of 25 fellows, up from 20 in previous editions. This increase reflects MTN Nigeria’s 25-year milestone and reinforces its sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem.

As MTN Nigeria marks 25 years of connecting people, the Media Innovation Programme represents a parallel investment in the storytellers shaping how that connection is understood, experienced, and amplified across society. It underscores a deliberate effort to support a vibrant, independent, and forward-looking media industry evolving alongside the digital economy.

Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), the six-month certificate programme has grown into one of Africa’s most impactful media capacity-building platforms. It equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks required to lead and innovate within a rapidly changing media and technology landscape.

The programme features academic sessions at PAU, complemented by industry engagements and an international study visit. The international component in South Africa includes sessions at the University of Johannesburg, alongside engagements with leaders across media, business, and policy.

Since its inception, the programme has built a strong alumni network across Nigeria’s media industry, with participants going on to occupy key roles, launch new platforms, and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Senate has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to carry out a comprehensive operational and logistical audit following recent attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno, Borno State.

The resolution, passed during plenary on Wednesday, mandates an in-depth review of the circumstances surrounding the assaults, including an assessment of equipment adequacy and adherence to rules of engagement.

The lawmakers also called on the Armed Forces to address any gaps identified in the course of the audit.

The Senate also urged the military to investigate allegations of civilian harm during operations, with a view to ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences.

These decisions followed a motion raised by Mr Tahir Monguno, a Senator representing Borno North, on the urgent need to curb attacks on military formations by Boko Haram insurgents.

Presenting the motion, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of several personnel, including Brigadier General Oseni Braimoh, Colonel Mohammed Isya, Captain A.M. Esmat, Lieutenant Kelvin Festus, and 13 other soldiers.

Mr Monguno noted that repeated attacks on Monguno, described as a strategic garrison town, and Benisheikh, a key location along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway, indicate a deliberate effort by insurgents to weaken military operations and disrupt vital humanitarian and commercial routes.

Lawmakers acknowledged the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign, highlighting the loss of personnel in the latest attacks.

They warned that the resurgence of violence against both military installations and civilian communities threatens national security, food systems, and ongoing efforts to resettle internally displaced persons in Borno State.

The Senate underscored the importance of protecting civilians, noting that it remains a fundamental obligation under both national and international humanitarian law and is critical to maintaining public trust.

As part of its resolutions, the chamber condemned the continued attacks by Boko Haram and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen military personnel and affected civilians.

It also urged the Armed Forces to strengthen compliance with rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, including enhanced training on civilian protection.

Other lawmakers like Mr Abdul Ningi called for the suspension of political activities in Benue, Niger, and Sokoto, among other North East states, until the security situation improves.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A strategic joint venture agreement has been signed between the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) and CEVA Logistics. The deal will advance integrated logistics solutions in Nigeria and West Africa.

Under the agreement, a warehouse will be put in place within Lagos Free Zone, home to Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port. This facility positions importers to seamlessly access West African markets, particularly multinational manufacturers serving the region.

Importers leveraging the free zone warehouse facilities at Lekki Port will benefit from duty-free exports to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) markets, creating a streamlined and cost-effective logistics solution.

Because the logistics journey to this region requires a deep understanding of trade lanes, local port operations, and customs procedures, CEVA Logistics stands the chance to use its experience to deliver quality service to customers.

The JV will enable businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring a seamless journey for goods from global origins to West African destinations.

According to the Vice President of Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, the partnership will mark a new phase of enhanced logistics solutions, leading to a seamless journey for global trade in West Africa, a region with its dynamic and youthful population that represents a key growth market for global manufacturers, especially in the FMCG sector.

“Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS.

“This free zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa,” Rambaud stated.

Also commenting, the chief executive of LFZ, Ms Adesuwa Ladoja, said, “By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa. Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”

It was learned that the JV has been approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of Nigeria, with CEVA Logistics to hold a majority stake in the newly established entity.