Strengthening cross-team collaboration, improving internal communication, and reinforcing shared responsibility, ownership, and accountability took centre stage at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s (WSCIJ) two-day internal strategic retreat for staff, held on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 January 2026, as the organisation aligned its work and priorities for the year ahead.
Highlighting the purpose of the retreat in her opening remarks, Laura Ede, Associate Director, Programmes, said the meeting was an opportunity for staff across departments to reflect on WSCIJ’s work in 2025, assess what worked and what did not, and agree on clear organisational priorities, strategic direction, and expectations as the Centre prepares for the 2026 programme year.
At the retreat, the distinguished facilitators guided staff through sessions on current journalism priorities, building a high-performing team, communication and cultural norms, growth and innovation opportunities, collaboration and accountability, as well as strategies for resource mobilisation and sustainability in 2026 and beyond.
During his session, Taiwo Obe, veteran journalist and founder of the Journalism Clinic, led discussions on the profile of a WSCIJ team member, current needs in the evolving media landscape, and strategies for resource mobilisation for long-term sustainability. He said, “WSCIJ was established to support journalists and media organisations in producing investigative journalism that holds power to account.” He urged staff to be proactive in ensuring that WSCIJ continues to fulfill its role in addressing fundamental societal issues.
Also central at the retreat was the need for stronger collaboration across teams, with staff encouraged to break silos, communicate more openly, and approach work with a collective mindset rather than a departmental lens. Abisola Olawuyi, Human Resources professional, Serverside Digital Ideas Limited, stressed that the success of the Centre depends on how well individuals work together, share information, and support one another’s roles.
Our Executive Director and CEO, Motunrayo Alaka, shared WSCIJ’s strategic programme plan for 2026, which focuses on maintaining local relevance while scaling programmes globally, building informed partnerships, and raising $5 million to support the year’s initiatives, among others. She also reminded staff of the importance of escalating risks early, taking ownership of tasks, and remaining accountable not only to supervisors but also to colleagues and the organisation’s broader mission. “We have heard so much, we are energised, and we are set for a productive year. Challenges will come, but we are ready,” she said.
Practical sessions also formed a key part of the retreat, with staff engaging in exercises aimed at building a more cohesive and effective team for 2026. Participants demonstrated enthusiasm and energy, and were encouraged to invest in their own learning, identify areas for growth, and align personal development goals with the WSCIJ’s strategic objectives.
The retreat served as a space for reflection, alignment, and renewed commitment, reinforcing WSCIJ’s values of accountability, teamwork, and excellence in advancing investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
