Media practitioners have been urged to leverage their platforms to inspire change, shape culture and uphold truth in their reportage. This charge was made at the 2025 Media Institute Training organized by Vision Africa, held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
The Annual training themed, “Image Makers: Shaping Culture, Inspiring Change Through Media”, brought together journalists, broadcasters, undergraduates and media professionals to reflect on their pivotal role in society and enhance their capacity for ethical and impactful reporting.
Delivering a keynote on behalf of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, emphasized the state government’s commitment to working with media professionals who are accurate, data-driven, and ethical.
According to the Commissioner, the new Abia desires journalists who report real news, not fake news. He said the State needs media professionals who are thorough and can interpret data objectively, urging journalists to lead by example, pursue truth in their reportage and Inspire change.
Prince Kanu described media practitioners as cultural architects, noting that through images, videos, and stories, they hold the power to shape public perception and societal values.
Speaking on behalf of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Coordinating Director Broadcast Monitoring, Mrs Susan Obi, commended Vision Africa for its consistency in hosting the training over the years, stressing the responsibility that comes with holding a microphone as a media professional. She said trust is placed on anyone that holds the microphone. “You are not just speaking, you are helping people make informed decisions. Be intentional, with your voice”she advised.
In his opening remarks, the founder of Vision Africa Radio, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, noted that Vision Africa has remained committed to transforming lives for the past 13 years through such impactful trainings. He encouraged media professionals to use the knowledge acquired to positively reposition the media space.
The keynote speaker, Troy Miller, President and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, described content creators as agents of cultural definition and transformation, adding that Image makers help shape how people see themselves and their world, adding that by telling stories that reflect both challenges and hopes, media professionals contribute to public understanding, shared values, and national unity.
The event also featured several technical and thematic sessions. Media experts Vic Costello, Jeff Wilson, and Don Geiger delivered presentations on “Design That Connects”, “Visual Storytelling Through Photographic Composition”, and “Writing 101″.
In a second phase, sessions focused on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on media practice. Vic Costello spoke on “AI 2025: What I’ve Learned and How It’s Changing My Work,” while Jeff Wilson explored “Pre-Production: Storytelling, Shot Lists, and How AI Changes the Game”, while Don Geiger discussed the “Role of AI in Writing”.
Delivering his lecture, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Gregory University, Prof Uwaoma Uche, called for refined media engagement, urging journalists to avoid spreading unverified information, but instead use the media as a tool for positive societal development.
The event concluded with remarks from Sir Ogala Osoka, Chairman, Board of Trustees of Vision Africa, who expressed gratitude to the trainers, participants, and the Abia State Government for their support in making the 2025 edition a success.
The Vision Africa Media Institute training continues to serve as a platform for raising media professionals who are not only skilled, but also driven by integrity, responsibility and a passion for national development.
