The 2023 edition of the Amplify In-depth Media Conference and Awards organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) with 17 other media partners is slated to take place in Abuja on December 8 and 9, 2023.
The Award which is in its 18th year recognises best practices in investigative journalism and is expected to be attended by investigative reporters, editors, media owners, government representatives, diplomatic corps members, civil society representatives, donor organisations, and other stakeholders.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of WSCIJ, Mrs Motunrayo Alaka, the Centre noted that the conference themed “Independent Media Equation: Policies, Ownership, Technology, and Sustainability” would revolve around how policies, ownership structure, technology, and sustainability shape the landscape and functionality of independent media in performing their vital role in delivering diverse, credible and impartial information to the public.
She added that the other organisations collaborating with the WSCIJ for the conference and awards include Bayero University, Kano; the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR); Nigeria Media Innovation Programme (NAMIP); Wadata Media & Advocacy Centre (WAMAC); the Conversation Africa; and Daily Trust Foundation.
Others include Oya Media; the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID); HumAngle Media; Tiger Eye Foundation; Daria Media; PRIMORG and the Civic Media Lab.
The media organizations involved in the collaboration include: Women Radio WFM 91.7FM; the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC); the Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation; and Signature TV. These media outfits constitute the Media and Journalism (MAJ) cohort of the MacArthur Foundation’s On Nigeria Project.
Mrs. Alaka explained further that “the maiden edition of the conference and awards in 2020 coincided with the 15th Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR), which explored the theme “Masked not silenced”, adding that it was a demonstration of the Nigerian media’s resilience and independence in the face of oppression by government and contrary economic challenges.”
The 2022 edition examined Nigeria’s democracy, the media profession, and investigative journalism practices, with a collective strategy to amplify the work of investigative reporters and marginalised voices, especially in Nigeria and Africa.
WSCIJ pointed out that the public presentation of the 2023 Wole Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR) will draw the curtain on the two-day hybrid event.
