As part of their win for the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting, eight Wole Soyinka Laureates commenced an international study tour with a visit to the Netherlands.
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) initiated the study tour in 2011 to deepen the professional capacity of investigative journalists, expose them to peer learning among colleagues in news media, civil society, government and related circles. The study tour is held this year as a component of the Civic Space Guard programme with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria.
Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director/CEO of WSCIJ leads the delegation of laureates including Sharon Ijasan of TVC News, Samson Folarin of The Punch newspaper, Kemi Busari of Premium Times, Lami Sadiq and Aaron Atsahyel of Daily Trust, Victor Asowata of TheWILL, Chinelo Ozoalor of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, and Olukayode Jaiyeola of The Punch.
The first point of call for the group was at the headquarters of the Free Press Unlimited (FPU), an organisation set up to enable free press based in the Netherlands, and a partner of the WSCIJ. The laureates were received by a delegation from the organisation, including Benthe Priester, Policy & Advocacy Officer; Gaelle Weigel, Senior Programme Officer; Fenke Elskamp, Team Leader, Africa, Europe & Asia and Evelien Wijkstra, Director of Policy & Advocacy.
During the session, FPU delivered a presentation on its core areas of work, which include the safety of journalists, media in conflict zones, press freedom, and the fight against disinformation. The team also highlighted FPU’s global interventions in supporting credible and independent journalism.
Alaka introduced the WSCIJ work on investigative reporting, democracy, freedom of the press and freedom of expression, the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting, the Civic Space Guard programme, the laureates and the mutual values of the Netherlands, Nigeria, FPU and WSCIJ. She emphasised that sustainability and support for local journalism remain hurdles for investigative journalism and the news media.
In an interactive segment, the laureates shared personal insights and field experiences. Ijasan, Busari, Sadiq, Jaiyeola, Ozoalor, Atsahyel, Asowata and Folarin highlighted major points on the safety of journalists, increased harassment of reporters on duty and threats of misinformation and disinformation. They emphasised the need for news media organisations, government and journalists to prioritise the safety of reporters and stop the brutalisation of journalists by providing structured and accessible support.
Both Ijasan and Jaiyeola shared specific instances of threats to their lives while on duty. Jaiyeola, speaking of an experience where he was brutalised by a policeman, said, “I still feel the scar on my head anytime I cut my hair”. According to him, the policeman was never punished.
The team underscored efforts by some newsrooms and editors to support independent press and the protection of journalists despite the challenges of limited funds, government high-handedness and commercialisation. They gave instances where their organisations ensured justice for reporters who were harassed or assaulted in the line of duty or defended the publication of stories in public interest.
The visit sets the tone for the tour, which will include visits to news media organisations, the parliament and others as the laureates explore models of media resilience, freedom, and innovation in Europe.
