WSCIJ 20th Anniversary: ”Truth is under siege, but investigative journalism must endure”- Olorunyomi
By Muhammad Sani Uba
Premium Times Publisher and CEO of the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, has called for renewed national commitment to investigative journalism, warning that truth in Nigeria is facing unprecedented threats from misinformation, shrinking civic space, and weakened democratic institutions.
Olorunyomi, who is also the Founder of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), delivered a stirring keynote at the 5th Amplify In-Depth Media Conference and Awards (AIMCA), which coincided with the 20th anniversary of WSCIJ in Lagos on Monday.
Addressing an audience of media leaders, scholars, policymakers, and civil society figures, Olorunyomi said the last two decades have confirmed that democracy in Nigeria—and globally—cannot survive without fearless journalism committed to exposing wrongdoing and defending public interest.
Investigative Journalism Is Democracy’s Last Line of Defence
Olorunyomi said WSCIJ was founded in 2005 on a simple but non-negotiable conviction: that societies plagued by corruption, impunity, and abuse of power must be served by journalists who are courageous, ethical, and unwavering in pursuit of truth.
“What we celebrate today is not just the passage of time,” he said. “We celebrate persistence, resistance, and the audacity to believe that investigative journalism can still bend the moral arc of public life toward accountability—even when the odds seem insurmountable.”
He noted that investigative reporting has become even more important as Nigeria faces a crisis of institutional trust and as digital platforms accelerate misinformation that distorts public opinion and undermines democracy.
Challenges in the Digital Age: ‘Truth Is Now Actively Threatened
Speaking on the conference theme, “WSCIJ @20: Investigative Reporting and the Future of Truth,” Olorunyomi warned that journalists now operate in an era where truth is not merely contested but systematically attacked.
He highlighted the rise of artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, shrinking civic space, and economic instability as threats that complicate the work of newsrooms.
“Investigative journalism in this moment must navigate algorithmic manipulation, data overload, and political pushback—yet remain grounded in timeless ethics of independence, verification, and integrity,” he said.
He emphasised that the future of investigative reporting will be shaped not just by technology but by the values journalists refuse to surrender.
Celebrating 20 Years of Impact
Olorunyomi celebrated WSCIJ’s journey as a “movement” that has trained hundreds of investigative journalists, amplified groundbreaking stories, and defended media freedom across Africa.
He paid tribute to Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, describing him as “a relentless advocate for an accountable and democratic Africa,” whose courage continues to inspire the Centre’s mission.
He also honoured founding trustees, early staff members, and a long list of distinguished judges and contributors who helped build the institution. In a particularly emotional moment, he praised Mrs Motunrayo Alaka, the Centre’s long-serving Executive Director, calling her “the tree that made the forest,” and the heartbeat of the organisation for two decades.
A Call to Courage for the Next 20 Years
Olorunyomi urged the next generation of journalists to embrace innovation without abandoning the values that define their craft. He said investigative journalism must remain a moral compass in an era of severe inequality, growing intolerance, and democratic backsliding.
“The future of accountability journalism will depend on our commitment to truth, our willingness to confront power, and our courage to keep asking difficult questions,” he said.
He called on media organisations, funders, regulators, and citizens to defend press freedom and support investigative reporting as essential tools for democratic renewal.
A Gathering for the Future
The 5th AIMCA conference continues over two days of panel discussions, workshops, and awards recognising excellence in investigative reporting. This year’s event brings together journalists, technologists, academics, civil society leaders, and development partners to chart the future of truth-telling in Nigeria.
The event also marks a symbolic milestone for WSCIJ, reaffirming its role as one of Africa’s most influential institutions promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical journalism.
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