Media professionals have issued a powerful call to action, urging young communication students to harness their skills as advocates for meaningful social transformation. This clarion call was made at the Media for Change Bootcamp, a dynamic event organized by the Centre for Media and Communication Innovations (CMCI) at Caleb University in Imota, Lagos.
Equipping a New Generation for Digital Responsibility
Held with the theme “Empowering youth for creative expression of talent,” the bootcamp was specifically designed to tap into the creative potential of Nigeria's youth. The goal was to channel this energy into constructive civic engagement through responsible media use and innovative digital expression. The programme focused on three core objectives: providing practical media literacy skills for the digital age, fostering creativity to produce content that promotes peace and inclusion, and utilizing tools like storytelling and skit-making to raise awareness on critical social issues.
Hands-On Learning and Expert Insights
The event, which took place on December 2, 2025, brought together 50 vibrant participants aged 15 to 30, with balanced gender representation from diverse community backgrounds. It featured a series of interactive and participatory sessions.
In sessions on ethical media practices, participants engaged in role-plays and discussions on fact-checking, combating misinformation, and protecting online privacy. Media scholar and Associate Editor of The Nation newspaper, Olatunji Ololade, guided the youth on building an “Ethical Media Culture in the Digital Space.”
The skit-making for social change segment saw participants collaborate to create short dramas addressing pressing issues like drug abuse. Journalist and storyteller Christiana Alabi-Akande emphasized the power of this medium, stating, “skit-making is not just drama, it is activism through storytelling. It turns ordinary people into agents of change using their talents and voice.”
Further sessions included storytelling for impact, where youths learned to craft compelling narratives for advocacy, and participatory theatre, which used improvisation to dramatize social challenges and collaboratively explore solutions.
A Collaborative Push for Civic Engagement
The bootcamp succeeded in its mission to empower these young Nigerians to become proactive advocates for ethical digital engagement and positive community impact. The initiative was supported by key partners including Caleb University, community leaders, local youth groups, and civil society representatives, highlighting a united front in preparing the youth to navigate and positively influence the modern media landscape.
