WSCIJ Appoints Maikatanga As Judge For 21st Wole Soyinka Award For Investigative Reporting

By Our Correspondent

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has appointed a renowned photojournalist, Sani Mohammed Maikatanga, as a member of the judges in its 21st edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR).Shop African Art

Wole Soyinka Award recognises and celebrates Nigerian journalists whose work demonstrates investigative rigour, ethical courage, creativity and a commitment to public interest journalism.

According to the letter signed by Executive Director/CEO, WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, as a member of the Judges’ Board, ‘’you will play an important role in upholding the credibility and integrity of the award and recognising outstanding investigative journalism in Nigeria.’’

‘’Following the initial screening of entries by the Award Screening Committee, the Judges’ Board will receive the qualifying entries across the award categories for independent assessment and scoring,’’ the letter read.

It said members will also participate in the judges’ scoring and deliberation session to determine the finalists and winners.

‘’The WSCIJ remains committed to recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions of Nigerian journalists – both winners and runners-up – who exemplify ethical courage, creativity, and a commitment to public interest through their reporting. The 2026 award will honour excellence across six categories: print, radio, television, photo, online, and editorial cartoon.

‘’Your expertise, professional experience, and perspective will be invaluable to this process. We are confident that your participation will contribute to a fair, transparent, and credible assessment of the entries.

Reacting to the appointment, Maikatanga expressed appreciation for being found worthy to be part of the noble event.

*About the Appointee

*
Maikatanga, an internationally award-winning Photojournalist & Documentary Photographer, was born in Giginyu, Nassarawa, local government area of Kano on Aug 15, 1975.

He attended Giginyu Special Primary School between 1983 and 1989, Government Secondary School Tarauni from 1989 to 1991, and took further education at Federal College of Education Technical Bichi, in Kano State, where he studied electrical engineering.

His professional career spans over 30 years working as a reporter and photographer with FIM Magazine, Freelance Photojournalist, Leadership Newspaper and Daily Trust, with much of his work published by BBC Hausa, AP, Reuters, DW and The Guardian.

Maikatanga has won over awards both locally and internationally, among which are Global Landscapes Forum Africa 2022 Photo Competition, GLF Africa Photo Competition – 1st Prize (Argungu Fishing Festival), Wiki Loves Africa – 1st Prize (Climate & Weather), China–Nigeria Friendly in Pictures – 2nd Prize, Award of Excellence by FASHMEX Nigeria Limited Kaduna, Best Photographer by Arewa in Ghana group, Best Entrepreneur for outstanding achievement in photography industry by KDC Award and Inspirational and Creativity Award by Rescue the Women Foundation (REWOFO).

He also received a letter of appreciation from Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in 2000 for his commitment to humanitarian efforts through his calling.