WSCIJ unveils finalists for 20th Wole Soyinka journalism prize

A reporter with The PUNCH newspaper is among 14 journalists shortlisted for the 20th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting, organisers announced on Thursday.

The shortlist, released by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), features journalists drawn from print, broadcast, and online media whose works demonstrated exceptional courage, originality, and impact in exposing wrongdoing and promoting accountability.

According to the Centre, the shortlisted entries cover a wide range of issues, including corruption, human rights violations, environmental abuses, public finance, and social justice. The panel of judges noted that the quality of submissions reflected the growing strength of investigative journalism in Nigeria despite the challenges facing the media.

WSCIJ disclosed that winners will be announced at an award ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the prestigious prize, established in honour of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka to celebrate outstanding investigative reporting and uphold press freedom.

The Centre added that this year’s anniversary edition would also recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to advancing transparency, human rights, and good governance in the country.

The award ceremony is scheduled to hold in Lagos, with journalists, media leaders, civil society actors, and members of the diplomatic community expected to attend.