FCMB and BHM Partner to Future-Proof Nigerian Media with “The Monetised Content Masterclass”

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), in partnership with BHM, has successfully hosted the pilot edition of The Monetised Content Masterclass. The initiative brought together a diverse group of reporters, content creators, and editors to tackle the urgent sustainability challenges facing modern newsrooms and digital media platforms.

The masterclass arrives at a critical juncture for the industry. While traditional advertising revenues for news publishers continue to decline, Nigeria’s broader entertainment and digital media market is experiencing a surge, projected to hit $4.9 billion by 2026.

The session focused on empowering media organizations and independent creators with practical strategies to diversify income and build financial resilience. By exploring revenue streams beyond traditional ads—such as brand partnerships, digital content monetisation, and audience-led models—the program aimed to help participants sustain their editorial independence and integrity.

The intensive one-day event featured high-level panel discussions, interactive Q&A sessions, and peer exchanges, all designed to turn global industry trends into actionable business plans.

Diran Olojo, Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs at FCMB Group, highlighted the necessity of the shift:

“Traditional models are under pressure, and attention is more fragmented than ever. The focus now is on building structured, sustainable platforms that can deliver both impact and long-term value.”

Ayeni Adekunle, CEO and Founder of BHM, emphasized the link between economics and ethics:

“The economics of media have changed. For journalism to remain independent, it must also become financially resilient. That shift requires new thinking and deliberate action.”

Moderated by Fatu Ogwuche (Founder/CEO, Big Tech This Week), the masterclass featured a powerhouse lineup of speakers:

• Fisayo Soyombo: Investigative Journalist.

• Chris Ihidero: Storyteller and Producer.

• Jennifer Mairo: Executive and Storytelling Expert.

• Peter Oluka: Digital Media Entrepreneur.

This collaborative initiative underscores the commitment of both FCMB and BHM to strengthening the Nigerian media ecosystem through capacity building and strategic industry support.