Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) has appointed a Nigerian team to lead the Nigeria Media Innovation Program (NAMIP).

Nigeria Media Innovation Program (NAMIP) is a 3-year initiative aimed at increasing capacity, generating sustainable and diverse revenue streams, and building audiences of independent media in Nigeria; particularly those reaching underserved communities.

Launched in February 2022, the program seeks to support the editorial independence of media organisations by strengthening their financial sustainability.

The newly appointed NAMIP team includes Adedeji Adekunle as Program Director, and Oluwadara Ajala as Program Manager.

Adedeji “Deji” Adekunle is a Media Development & Innovation Expert and Trainer who has worked extensively in the West African Media Ecosystem. He has helped build the capacity of hundreds of journalists in Accountability Journalism, Data Journalism and Fact Checking Journalism. Before joining MDIF, Deji was the Director of Innovation, Verification and Media Literacy at The Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development.

Oluwadara “Dara” Ajala is a programs and communications professional who has extensive experience in using the media as a tool for advocacy, specifically in public health. She holds a degree in microbiology and prior to joining MDIF, was Program Manager at Nigeria Health Watch. During her time at Nigeria Health Watch, she managed a portfolio of projects that increased audience knowledge and participation in Nigeria’s Health Policy landscape.

“I am delighted to have Adekunle and Ajala join us to lead our work in Nigeria,” said Bilal Randeree, Program Director for Africa and MENA at MDIF. “They both bring a wealth of experience and crucial expertise, and I look forward to working with them.”

The Nigeria Media Innovation Program (NAMIP) earlier announced its Innovation Challenge for Nigerian Media. This challenge is a call for applications from media organisations that are building innovative news and information products. Read more about the challenge here.

Deadlines for sending in applications have now been extended till the 17th of June. Existing independent media companies, non-profit media and new ventures who have projects that address focus areas are encouraged to apply.

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