On October 6th, the BGICC International Media Center had the honor of hosting Austin Maho, a distinguished Nigerian media expert and Editor-in-Chief ofThe DawnNewspaper, alongside Jiang Xuan, the Chief Correspondent ofPeople's Dailyin West Africa. The esteemed guests visited BGICC to share insights and exchange ideas on media strategies and external publicity.
Invited to provide specialized training and professional guidance, Maho and Xuan engaged with the entire International Media Center team, company executives, department heads from Abuja, and promising young talents. The event offered a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the media landscape and enhance their skills, fostering a collaborative atmosphere of learning and growth.
Austin Maho, the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher ofThe DawnNewspaper in Nigeria, brings a wealth of experience to the media industry. Having previously held the role of Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Consultant at leading publications such asThe VanguardNewspaper,City News, andMining News, Maho has made significant contributions to the development of journalism in Nigeria. His work extends beyond editorial roles to the design and implementation of training programs for journalists and media professionals, often in collaboration with various Nigerian government departments, agencies, and private institutions.
The recent training session, themed "How to Use the Media to Serve You," offered participants an in-depth exploration of media strategies. Drawing on his own extensive experience and deep understanding of the media landscape, Maho expertly highlighted the challenges in media publicity while offering practical solutions for improvement. His approach blended theoretical insights with real-world case studies, engaging Q&A sessions, and interactive discussions.
The training was praised for its clarity, relevance, and hands-on approach, with practical examples that resonated with the participants. It provided valuable guidance for enhancing the theoretical knowledge and professional skills of promotional staff, establishing a strong foundation for participants to elevate their media expertise and execute their roles more effectively.
Ajuma, a voice-over artist at the International Media Center, reflected on the training, saying, "The blend of lectures and interactive Question and Answer sessions offered me a deeper insight into the vital role of media in shaping public opinion, as well as effective strategies for crisis communication. While I encountered some challenges, particularly with certain technical terminology, the experience was truly enlightening. It broadened my perspective, and I’m confident that the knowledge and skills I gained will greatly enhance my efficiency and effectiveness in practical work."
The on-site exchange proved to be a transformative experience, as the professional guidance from prominent Nigerian media authorities and senior reporters fromPeople's Dailysignificantly sharpened the media team's skills and response capabilities. Additionally, participants from other departments found the training to be highly insightful, gaining valuable perspectives that varied across roles. The shared learning experience not only strengthened individual expertise but also laid a robust foundation for enhanced collaboration between media operations and other fields, fostering a more integrated approach to future projects.