WSCIJ calls for entries, award to focus on SDGs, COVID-19

• Journalists to submit entries online

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will accept all entries for its yearly award for investigative reporting online for the first time.

According to the organisers, the 2020 award will reward works that explore the intersection between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and COVID-19.

The choice of a focus area for the 15th edition of the award programme is due to the fact that COVID-19 has exacerbated problems of poverty, hunger, education, health, and inequalities between female and male persons among others, that Nigeria faces as the country marks its 60th independence anniversary.

Stories from the print, online, photo, cartoon, television, and radio genres of the media, published between October 4, 2019, and October 3, 2020, are qualified to apply. The deadline for submission of entries is Saturday, October 24, 2020, by 4 pm.

From October 4, when the award call for application opens, all reporters who meet the necessary entry criteria may submit their works on the online portal – www.award.wscij.org.

Accepted works will be collated and scored based on the quality of investigation, evidence, human rights elements, ethical reportage, courage, individual creativity, public interest, impact, and quality of presentation. WSCIJ will use its award coding system and engage a panel of judges from diverse fields with a good understanding of investigative reporting and its public policy implications.

Over the past 15 years, WSCIJ has contributed to building the culture of investigative journalism in the Nigerian media through the award. It has held 14 editions and produced 98 finalists, 50 ‘Soyinka Laureates’, and nine investigative journalists of the year. It has also made 22 honourary decorations for Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence and Ani-Corruption Defender Award. The WSCIJ continues to reward journalists who show courage through reports that uphold the responsibility of the media to provoke effective governance and accountable leadership in Nigeria.