Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a landmark breakfast meeting that spotlighted the transformative power of media in fostering bilateral ties.
Held under the theme “Media as a Bridge: Strengthening Nigeria-South Africa Ties through the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP)”, the event drew a dynamic mix of business leaders, academics, and media professionals.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, described the MIP as a strategic tool for diplomacy, designed to dismantle stereotypes and misinformation.
He emphasized the value of the programme’s study tour in South Africa, which offers Nigerian journalists immersive exposure. “If Nigeria and South Africa can get their act together, the rest of the continent will follow,” Okigbo remarked, hinting at MTN’s plans to scale the initiative across Africa.
Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chairperson of NSACC, hailed the MIP as a tangible example of innovation in action. She underscored the media’s role as a “catalyst for development,” especially in shaping public discourse and cross-border partnerships.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, stressed the need for rigorous training in journalism. He praised the collaboration between academia and industry, noting that ethical and contextual reporting is essential for meaningful impact.
A highlight of the event was a panel featuring MIP fellows—Amarachi Ubani (Channels TV), Oluwadunsin Sanya (BellaNaija), Nifemi Oguntoye (TVC News), and Akinkunmi Obakeye (CNBC Africa)—who shared how the programme reshaped their understanding of South Africa. Their stories revealed a shift from stereotypes to shared values and deeper connections.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of NSACC’s 25th anniversary logo, symbolizing a renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity for its members.
As NSACC enters its next chapter, the Chamber reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging media as a bridge between Nigeria and South Africa—two powerhouses whose unity could redefine the African narrative
