The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has opened registration for the 2026 Amplify In-depth Media Conference & Award (AIMCA), planned for Tuesday, 8 to Thursday, 10 December 2026 in Lagos, with the theme, Truth. Power. Rights. Journalism at the Heart of Democracy. The sixth Amplify In-depth Media Conference and 21st Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR) will feature, Wole Soyinka, WSCIJ Grand Patron, who has confirmed his participation and will give remarks during the three-day event. The gathering will also commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day and Human Rights Day. Conference sessions will begin at 9 a.m. daily, while the award ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on 9 December.
Registration runs from Friday, 6 November, to Friday, 27 November 2026, through, aimca.wscij.org. The annual gathering will bring together journalists, policymakers, academics, civil society organisations, government representatives and other stakeholders to examine journalism’s role in defending truth, interrogating power, protecting human rights and strengthening democracy in the digital age. Participants will engage with critical ideas, practical approaches and opportunities for collaboration to advance public-interest journalism.
The conference will explore three interconnected dimensions of its theme: ‘Whose truth? Journalism, information, artificial intelligence and the battle for reality’; ‘Whose power? Journalism, corruption and accountability’; and ‘Whose rights? Journalism, democracy and human dignity.’ Through keynote addresses, plenary discussions, investigative journalism showcases and practical masterclasses, participants will examine artificial intelligence and digital technologies, disinformation, information integrity, freedom of expression, civic space, journalist safety, corruption and institutional accountability.
Since 2022, WSCIJ has brought the conference and WSAIR together as complementary platforms for advancing public-interest journalism and amplifying stories that matter until positive change is achieved. While the conference provides space for critical reflection, professional development and collaboration on issues shaping journalism and democracy, the award celebrates investigative reporting that uncovers truth, challenges abuses of power and advances the public interest.
The 21st WSAIR will recognise outstanding investigative journalism across television, online, radio, print, photography and editorial cartoon categories. The ceremony will celebrate journalists whose work demonstrates courage, rigour, integrity and commitment to public-interest reporting, highlighting the contribution of investigative journalism to exposing corruption and strengthening accountability.
Through Amplify 2026, WSCIJ seeks to deepen collaboration among the media, public institutions, civil society and academia, strengthen professional capacity and advance practical responses to challenges confronting journalism and democratic participation. The gathering will also reinforce the importance of an ethical, independent and sustainable media to a just, inclusive and accountable society in the digital age.
WSCIJ invites journalists, media executives, academics, technology experts, researchers, civil society representatives, innovators, policymakers, government officials, development partners and members of the public to register at aimca.wscij.org before the Friday, 27 November deadline and participate in the three-day gathering.
Signed
Motunrayo Alaka
Executive Director/CEO
Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism
