THE Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) seeks applications to 2026 edition of its Excellence in Journalism Awards.
The award, as part of CJID’s commitment to advancing independent media that drives accountability and sustainable development, recognises outstanding journalism, newsroom leadership, factchecking, media innovation and community-centred reporting across West Africa.
The third edition of the award is open to entries from journalists, fact-checkers, and media organisations from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Senegal, and Ivory Coast that have promoted accountability, public interest, innovation, and impactful storytelling in West Africa.
Winners will be presented with the award plaque and prizes at a ceremony to be held in November 2026 as part of CJID’s Media and Development Conference. More details on this will be communicated.
Entries must be original works published or broadcast between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
Each journalist may submit a maximum of two entries overall, with only one entry permitted per category. Entries submitted in previous editions, as well as stories funded or supported by CJID/DUBAWA, are not eligible.
The deadline for applications is September 12, 2026. Interested applicants can apply here.
Blessing Otoibhi is a Multimedia Journalist and Anchor host for the News in 60 seconds at The International Center For Investigative Reporting. You can shoot her a mail via Botoibhi@icirnigeria.org or connect on Twitter @B_otoibhi