HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE TRAINS 12 YOUTHS ON DIGITAL SKILLS FOR CITIES DEVELOPMENT
HipCity Innovation Centre has just concluded the very first of its kind; Media for Cities Development Training which marked a significant milestone in building the capacity of young people to creatively engage with urban issues through media and storytelling. Over the course of the one-week intensive training program, twelve (12) young persons—7 females and 5 males—were immersed in an exciting blend of theory and hands-on learning aimed at sharpening their media skills while deepening their understanding of urban development.
Participants were introduced to key concepts in urban planning, urban development, and policies, with special attention to how this shape the everyday realities of city life. One of the highlights of the training was the “Meet with the Expert” session, where the trainees had the rare opportunity to engage directly with experienced town planners. These seasoned professionals offered deep insights into Abuja’s city plan, helping the participants understand how planning decisions affect housing, transport, environment, and access to basic services in the city.
Alongside the urban development modules, the participants received practical training in media production—including sessions on photography, lighting, sound setup, videography, photo and video editing. These sessions were tailored to empower them to tell compelling stories about the cities they live in, especially from the perspectives of underrepresented communities.
To translate their learning into action, participants engaged in group work and produced a short film on domestic violence, showcasing not only their new media skills but also their commitment to addressing pressing social issues (https://youtube.com/shorts/8PO4KJky0D4?feature=share)
The program culminated in a close-out and exhibition event that tested the trainees’ agility and creativity. Each participant was tasked with going into an informal settlement to capture and edit a video story in less than six hours. The resulting short films highlighted stories of resilience, struggle, and hope—demonstrating the power of media as a tool for advocacy and change.
To wrap up the event, all trainees were presented with certificates in recognition of their hard work and successful completion of the training.
The Media for Cities Development Training is not just about developing technical media skills—it is about building a new generation of urban storytellers and advocates who understand their cities and are equipped to spotlight the issues that matter. We celebrate our twelve graduates and look forward to seeing how they will use their voices and lenses to shape more inclusive, equitable urban spaces.
This training was made possible with the support of the Heinrich Boell Foundation Nigeria, under its inclusive cities program.
