In a moving tribute to late U.S. Consulate Information Specialist and former Guardian journalist Adejumobi Adegbite, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has unveiled the Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists, aimed at nurturing a new generation of ethics-driven investigative reporters.
The announcement was made on Thursday during a commemorative event held at the American Corner in Lekki, which brought together media professionals, U.S. Mission officials, and selected fellows for the inaugural year-long program.
Delivering his first public remarks since assuming office two weeks ago, U.S. Consul General Rick Swart praised Adegbite as “a gifted journalist and passionate mentor,” whose commitment to ethical storytelling inspired the fellowship’s creation.
“Before his untimely passing in 2023, Adegbite was working on a program to mentor early-career journalists. Today, through this fellowship, his dream is being realised,” Swart said.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Public Service
Adegbite began his journalism career in 2006 with The Guardian before transitioning into public diplomacy and development communications. Over the years, he worked with the British High Commission, ECOWAS, Gates Foundation, and USAID projects, joining the U.S. Consulate in 2021.
The fellowship, developed in collaboration with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) and led by FIJ Editor-in-Chief Fisayo Soyombo, a U.S. government exchange alumnus, is structured to equip fellows with critical skills in investigative reporting, data journalism, media law, and multimedia storytelling.
Training the Next Generation
The 12-month fellowship includes quarterly intensive workshops, continuous mentorship, and hands-on reporting opportunities. Over 80 young journalists from across Nigeria applied, with finalists selected based on their passion and potential to drive positive change through journalism.
“Your passion and professionalism are the lifeblood of democratic societies. Journalism is not just a profession—it is a public trust,” Swart told the fellows, who had travelled from Yobe, Ibadan, and beyond to attend the event.
He acknowledged the growing threats facing modern journalism—from disinformation to declining public trust—emphasizing the need for robust training initiatives that uphold truth and transparency.
U.S. Mission Reaffirms Support for Nigerian Media
Swart reaffirmed the U.S. Mission’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem, encouraging journalists to connect with the Public Diplomacy Section for further training and collaboration opportunities.
“Without a new generation of journalists to carry this work forward, we risk undermining the very principles that sustain our societies,” he said.
“We look forward to the stories you will tell. Your voices and integrity matter.”
