Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), has been named the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter’s ‘Iconic Woman of the Month’ for June 2026.
The recognition, announced in a joint statement signed by Jumoke Falayi Johnson, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, and Anu M. Thomas, Secretary of the association, is part of the association’s monthly spotlight initiative, which celebrates Nigerian women who are breaking barriers, driving positive change and making outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Motunrayo was selected for her distinguished career, her fierce advocacy for press freedom, and her consistent efforts to promote gender equity and elevate women within the media industry across Nigeria and Africa. Through her leadership at WSCIJ, she has advanced initiatives that promote public-interest journalism, media accountability and newsroom inclusion across Nigeria and Africa.
Among these initiatives are Report Women! Initiative and its Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP), which have trained, mentored and supported hundreds of women journalists to strengthen their reporting, assume leadership positions and contribute to more inclusive newsrooms. Under her leadership, WSCIJ has also expanded programmes that promote investigative journalism, journalist safety, media innovation and democratic accountability.
Motunrayo joins a distinguished list of recipients previously recognised by NAWOJ Lagos, including Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Dr Abimbola Abosede Oyetunde, Mrs Sola Salako-Ajulo, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy Ndisika and the late Kudirat Olayinka Abiola, who was honoured posthumously.
The recognition adds to a growing list of honours acknowledging Motunrayo Alaka’s contributions to investigative journalism, media development and the advancement of women in journalism in Nigeria and across Africa. WSCIJ congratulates its Executive Director on this well-deserved recognition and wishes her continued success in championing investigative journalism and media development.
Signed
WSCIJ Team
