The United States Consulate General in Lagos has officially launched the Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists, a year-long initiative aimed at empowering early-career journalists with tools, ethics, and mentorship to strengthen public interest journalism in Nigeria.
U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Rick Swart, who spoke during the launch, yesterday, described the fellowship as a significant investment in the future of journalism and a tribute to the life and legacy of Adejumobi Adegbite, a former United States Consulate Information Specialist and journalist with The Guardian, who passed away in 2023.
“This initiative honours the legacy of Adejumobi Adegbite, who brought integrity and curiosity to every role he held. Before his untimely passing, he was developing a programme to equip early-career journalists with the tools and mentorship necessary for impactful journalism. Today, we are proud to carry that vision forward,” he said.
Swart praised the late Adegbite’s career, which spanned prominent roles at the British High Commission, ECOWAS, the Gates Foundation, USAID projects, and ultimately the American Consulate in Lagos, where he served from 2021 until his death.
The fellowship is a collaborative effort between the Consulate and the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). However, Swart acknowledged FIJ’s Editor-in-Chief, Fisayo Soyombo, a United States government exchange programme alumnus, for his leadership and ongoing commitment to investigative journalism, saying: “Your dedication to mentoring young journalists and promoting transparency aligns with our shared belief in the importance of a free and vibrant press.”
The inaugural fellowship cohort comprises journalists from across Nigeria, selected from a competitive pool of over 80 applicants. Swart commended the fellows for their dedication, describing their selection as a “testament to their passion and potential.”
As a newcomer to Nigeria, Swart shared that his early understanding of the country was shaped by the work of Nigerian journalists, including some of the fellows present.
“Your reporting has helped to shape my understanding of Nigeria’s dynamic political, economic, social, and cultural landscape,” he said. Swart, who emphasised the evolving challenges faced by journalists, including digital misinformation and declining public trust in media, stressed the crucial role of journalism in upholding democracy, adding: “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.”
Meanwhile, the fellowship programme will include training in data analysis, investigative reporting, journalism ethics, multimedia storytelling, and legal rights for journalists. Fellows will participate in four quarterly sessions and receive ongoing mentorship throughout the year.
