14 reporters, others to be honoured at Wole Soyinka Centre awards as insecurity tops stories shortlist

Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has concluded plans to award 14 journalists as insecurity tops stories shortlist.

The awardees will be honoured at the 16th edition of the annual Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting presentation event scheduled for Thursday, 9 December 2021, at NECA House, Lagos, from 4pm to 6pm.

Executive Director/CEO, WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, disclosed the above in a press release on Friday.

The Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting acknowledges best practices in investigative journalism and call attention to its significance for attaining good governance, accountability, and social justice.

The statement read in part, “Veteran cartoonist and painter, Josy Ajiboye, will be decorated with the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence for his remarkably consistent professional exertions in form of timeless witty cartoons.

“His works, particularly in his years at Daily Times, which spoke to social-economic and political issues that bordered on social justice, kept the government on its toes as Nigeria struggled through the military era and they remain relevant even today.

“The CLEEN Foundation will be honoured with the Human Rights speciality of the Anti-Corruption Defender Award for its over two decades work promoting public safety, security and accessible justice in Nigeria, especially around improving human rights and accountability mechanism within the Nigeria Police Force.

“The award also underscores the great contribution of the late Innocent Chukwuma, CLEEN Foundation Founder, who strategically built the organisation to defend the rights of Nigerians to security.

“As earlier announced, the 14 journalists shortlisted as finalists across the print, online, photo, cartoon, television and radio categories of the award will also be honoured for their stories.

“Nine of the stories focused on Nigeria’s fragile security apparatus, covering extrajudicial killings, brutality by persons in uniform, human rights abuse, armed banditry as well as the broad issue of insurgency.

“In the light of this, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) alongside its civil society partners will be using the occasion to call the attention of the government to the need to urgently address the worrying state of security in the country.”

Meanwhile, the finalists include Abiodun Omotosho of Nigerian Pilot, Benedict Uwalaka of Daily Trust, Ibrahim Adeyemi of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Kelechukwu Ogu of Rhythm 93.7 FM, Kunle Adebajo of HumAngle, Mary Abayomi-Fatile of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

Others are Olatunji Obasa of Punch, Olukunle Akinrinade of The Nation, Omolabake Fasogbon of ThisDay, Sharon Ijasan of TVC News, Taiwo Adebayo of Premium Times, Tessy Igomu of Punch, Victor Asowata of The Will and Zainab Sanni of Agidigbo FM.

MORE MEDIA AND JOURNALISM OPPORTUNITIES FROM I-79 MEDIA

The Howard G. Buffet Fund for Women Journalists

DEADLINE: ROLLING —The Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists is open for applications from woman-identifying journalists around the world. APPLY HERE

Pulitzer Center’s data journalism grants

DEADLINE: ROLLING— The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting invites applications for innovative data-driven journalism projects that spotlight under reported issues. APPLY HERE

Apply for OTF’S Rapid Response Fund

DEADLINE: ROLLING —Open Technology Fund (OTF) through its Rapid Response Fund is offering financial support and technical services to bloggers, cyber activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. APPLY HERE

Freelance journalists can apply for grants at Rory Peck Trust

Rory Peck Trust is offering Assistance Grants to professional freelance journalists and their families who are facing crises related to their work. APPLY HERE

Women journalists can apply for IWMF Fund

DEADLINE: ROLLING — The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is accepting applications for the Howard G. Buffett Fund to support women journalists. APPLY HERE

VACANCY: Communications Intern Needed at ICFJ

DEADLINE: ROLLING — The International Center For Journalists (ICFJ) is looking for a committed and talented intern to join its communications team. APPLY HERE

Apply to investigate impact of COVID-19 on atrocity risks

DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Stanley Center for Peace and Security is organising a multimedia project that examines how the Coronavirus pandemic and government responses can either mitigate or contribute to risk factors for atrocities. APPLY HERE

VACANCY: Opportunities for freelance journalists

Freelance journalists who are available for immediate engagement in Nigeria can apply. APPLY HERE