In a ceremony held at the American Corner in Lekki, the U.S. Consulate General officially launched the Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists, a 12-month training and mentorship program designed to empower early-career journalists in Nigeria.
U.S. Consul General Rick Swart, who gave the opening remarks, described the fellowship as a tribute to the late Adejumobi Adegbite, a former U.S. Consulate Information Specialist and journalist at The Guardian. Adegbite passed away in 2023, just as he was working on a program to support aspiring journalists with ethics-based, impactful reporting training.
“Adejumobi brought integrity and curiosity to his work, first as a journalist and later as a public affairs professional,” said Swart. “This fellowship carries forward his vision of equipping young reporters with the tools to pursue truth and accountability.”
The fellowship is being implemented in partnership with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), led by Editor-in-Chief and U.S. exchange program alumnus Fisayo Soyombo. Swart praised Soyombo’s leadership and long-standing commitment to mentoring investigative journalists in Nigeria.
“Fisayo, your commitment to mentoring the next generation of impactful public interest journalists is inspiring,” Swart said.
The inaugural cohort of fellows—selected from a competitive pool of over 80 applicants across the country, includes reporters from as far as Yobe to Ibadan. The year-long program features quarterly in-person sessions, continuous mentorship, and training in data journalism, multimedia storytelling, legal rights, and investigative techniques.
Highlighting the critical role of journalism in both Nigerian and American democracies, Swart emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in sustaining democratic values.
“Journalism is not just a profession; it is a public trust. Without a new generation of journalists to carry this work forward, we risk undermining the very principles that sustain our societies,” he noted.
Swart, who recently assumed his role in Lagos, commended Nigerian journalists for shaping his understanding of the country’s political and cultural dynamics and reaffirmed the U.S. Mission’s support for initiatives promoting media freedom.
“As you progress in your careers, know that we stand with you. We will continue to support programs, trainings, and opportunities to strengthen your work,” Swart said.
The Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists is expected to foster investigative journalism and accountability reporting at a time when media practitioners face increasing challenges, from digital misinformation to institutional pressures.
