Prominent Figures Lead Discussion on Citizenship and Nation-Building
The Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) is hosting a webinar today focused on the pivotal theme: “Can democracy function without a powerful sub-national media?” This lecture series aims to explore the vital role that independent media plays in sustaining democracy, particularly at the state and local government levels.
Launch of CMEDIA Project to Enhance Media Independence
This event also marks the official launch of the WSCIJ’s Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusion and Accountability (CMEDIA) project. Keynote speakers include Chiedo Nwankwah from Johns Hopkins University, Cole Shettima of the MacArthur Foundation, and Fisayo Soyombo, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Foundation. The discussion will delve into the implications of a functioning democracy without robust independent media acting as a watchdog.
Multifaceted Approach to Media Accountability
The CMEDIA initiative, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, seeks to bolster media independence and ensure governmental accountability. This multifaceted strategy involves collaboration with 26 partner organizations working to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance. By amplifying marginalized voices, particularly within the private sector, the project aims to address critical issues at both state and local levels.
Reviving Dialogue on Nigeria’s Democratic Health
The WSCIJ lecture series was established in 2008 to foster conversations about the media’s performance and its impact on Nigeria’s democracy. By focusing on current events, the series encourages a critical examination of the media landscape and its influence on democratic governance.
2022 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Speakers Announced
In parallel, organizers of the annual virtual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) have unveiled this year’s speakers. The event will address “Citizenship and Nation-Building: Asserting Rights, Freedoms, and Justice,” focusing on the active mobilization of citizens for national development.
Key Speakers Bring Diverse Perspectives
Dr. Teju Kareem, Executive Producer of WSICE, emphasizes the relevance of this year’s theme within Nigeria’s socio-political context. The session will be inaugurated by Professor Segun Ojewi of Southern Illinois University. Mr. Dele Falotimi, a prominent lawyer and human rights advocate known for his critique of Nigeria’s political landscape, will serve as the featured speaker. He has been instrumental in providing support to victims of the #EndSARS protests and is a prolific writer on national issues.
Empowering Youth to Shape Future Discourse
In a bid to underline the importance of youth participation, the event will also feature young advocates such as Adam Garko, a writer who previously won the WSICE essay contest, and Okere Chukwuma Christian, a participant in the 2015 contest. The session will be moderated by Victory Ashaka, a performance poet and student at Lagos State University, who has previously facilitated youth advocacy discussions.
WSICE: A Platform for Global Cultural Exchange
WSICE is part of the OpenDoor series project, which leverages art and culture to affirm human dignity. It targets youth as the catalysts for change, promoting unity and addressing the challenges facing society today. Although based in Nigeria, WSICE engages with a global audience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across borders to tackle issues affecting humanity and foster the development of a more cohesive world.
