Entries Open For Soyinka Investigative Reporting Award

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has announced the collection of entries for the 18th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR).

A statement signed by the centre’s executive director/CEO Motunrayo Alaka yesterday in Abuja said the submission period commenced on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, and runs through to Tuesday, October 24, 2023, closing at 4 pm.

Alaka said eligible entries should be investigative reports primarily targeted at the Nigerian audience.

She encouraged all interested journalists to meticulously review the entry criteria for each award category before applying through the official platform.

Alaka, in her statement, highlighted the rich history of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting, which she said has recognised the contributions of 116 finalists, honored 59 Soyinka Laureates, celebrated 13 investigative journalists of the year, and acknowledged 28 honorary award recipients since its inception in 2005.

The statement reads in part: „This year, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism will continue its tradition of recognising exceptional journalism across print, online, photojournalism, editorial cartooning, television and radio genres that investigates public and corporate corruption, exposes human rights violations, and highlights regulatory abuses in Nigeria.

„The stories must be newsworthy, investigative, expose or prevent clandestine activities and corruption in the public and private domain and promote human rights.

„A panel of media experts and industry professionals will assess the entries using WSCIJ’s meticulous award coding and vetting system.“

It added that judges will score submissions based on the quality of investigation, the strength of evidence presented, human rights elements, ethical reporting standards, journalistic courage, individual creativity, public interest, tangible impact and overall presentation.