The 12th edition of the Vision Africa Media Institute Training kicked off in grand style on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Umuahia, Abia State, bringing together media professionals, students, and communication experts from across Nigeria and beyond. With the theme “Image Makers: Shaping Culture, Inspiring Change through Media,” the two-day event aims to harness the transformative power of media in shaping society and driving national progress.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha, President and Founder of Vision Africa, set the tone for the training by reminding participants of the spiritual and social responsibilities of media practitioners.
“God has not called you to be successful; He has called you to be faithful. Success is God’s business. Our job is to be faithful in what we have been called to do,” Onuoha charged, urging young media professionals to use their platforms purposefully to inspire positive change.
Reflecting on a windstorm that damaged the venue’s roof a day before the event, Bishop Onuoha expressed gratitude for divine protection and resilience, describing it as a lesson in perseverance for all in attendance.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mrs. Susan Obi, Coordinating Director at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), commended Vision Africa for its consistency in nurturing future broadcasters.
“Broadcasting is a profession with deep responsibility. We influence public decisions, shape perspectives, and build trust. We must be intentional and ethical in what we put out,” she emphasized.
A highlight of the event was a keynote address by Mr. Troy Miller, President and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), who underscored the powerful role of media in defining cultural values.
“Media tells us what matters and defines what’s true. We must go beyond emotional content to tell stories that differentiate right from wrong, cultivate culture, and promote national welfare,” Miller stated.
On behalf of Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, Hon. Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparent, media-friendly governance.
“In today’s Abia, where we are redefining governance through the New Abia Agenda, the media plays a crucial role as a first responder to perception and a mirror of societal progress. The media is not just a reflector of society; it is a builder of it,” Kanu said.
Kanu praised Vision Africa as a “vision factory” and thanked the resource persons, especially those who shared insights on artificial intelligence, for broadening the horizon of participants.
The training features intensive workshops and lectures by globally respected media professionals, including:
Chuck Pollak – Media Production and Management
Sharon Geiger – Ethical Storytelling and Interviewing
Don Geiger – Technical Broadcasting Techniques
Jeff Wilson – Digital Media Strategies
Vic Costello – Visual Storytelling and Content Development
Prof. Uwaoma Kalu Uche – Broadcasting
Participants include students from tertiary institutions, seasoned media professionals, and aspiring storytellers. Beyond learning, the event served as a networking hub, fostering collaborations aimed at using media to drive national and cultural transformation.
In his closing remarks, Sir Ogala extended appreciation to the facilitators and congratulated participants for embracing the opportunity to sharpen their skills.
As the 12th edition unfolds, Vision Africa Media Institute reaffirms its mission to build a generation of principled, skilled storytellers dedicated to truth, cultural preservation, and societal progress. Echoing Bishop Onuoha’s words:
“Let us not just make images; let us be makers of impact.”
