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US consulate unveils fellowship to empower young Nigerian journalists
In a heartfelt tribute to late U.S. Consulate Information Specialist and former Guardian journalist, Adejumobi Adegbite, the U.S. Consulate General has unveiled the Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists.
A statement on Thursday said the event, held at the American Corner in Lekki, brought together media professionals, US Mission officials, and young journalists selected for the prestigious year-long fellowship.
U.S. Consul General, Rick Swart, who assumed office in Lagos two weeks ago, delivered the opening remarks, expressing deep admiration for Adegbite’s legacy and the critical role of journalism in sustaining democracy.
“This initiative honors the legacy of Adejumobi Adegbite, who was not only a gifted journalist but also a passionate advocate for ethical and impactful reporting.
“Before his untimely passing in 2023, he was working on a program to mentor early-career journalists. Today, through this fellowship, his dream is being realised”, Swart said.
Adegbite, who began his career in 2006 at The Guardian, had served in various communication roles with the British High Commission, ECOWAS, the Gates Foundation, and USAID projects before joining the Consulate in 2021.
Established in partnership with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, the Adegbite Fellowship seeks to train and mentor early-career reporters in ethics-driven, public interest journalism. FIJ’s Editor-in-Chief, Fisayo Soyombo, a U.S. government exchange program alumnus, is spearheading the program’s implementation.
Swart applauded Soyombo’s efforts, saying, “Fisayo, your commitment to fostering investigative reporting and mentoring the next generation of journalists is both inspiring and essential to the health of democracy.”
The 12-month fellowship will provide participants with training in investigative techniques, data journalism, ethics, legal literacy, and multimedia storytelling. The fellows—selected from a competitive pool of over 80 applicants from across Nigeria—will attend quarterly intensive workshops and receive continuous mentorship throughout the year.
Swart praised the fellows for their commitment to journalism despite the challenges of the profession.
“To the fellows who journeyed from Yobe, Ibadan, and other parts of the country—thank you. Your passion and professionalism are the lifeblood of democratic societies. Journalism is not just a profession—it is a public trust. You are the guardians of truth”, he said.
He noted that the challenges faced by journalists today—ranging from disinformation to the erosion of public trust—make programs like this even more vital. “Without a new generation of journalists to carry this work forward, we risk undermining the very principles that sustain our societies,” he added.
Swart also highlighted the U.S. Mission’s broader commitment to supporting the Nigerian media ecosystem through ongoing training and engagement opportunities.
He encouraged fellows and other journalists to connect with the Public Diplomacy Section for additional resources.
Swart said, “Congratulations to each of you. “We look forward to seeing the impact of the work you will do through this fellowship. Your voices, stories, and integrity matter.”
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Beautiful and Well Equipped Medical Health Centre Built by Atanda Lawal in Obalende/Ikoyi Local Government Area
This is what another local government chairman has done in Obalende with his own increased allocations paid directly to him.
This is the result of the new social reorder; place the money for development in the hands of the authorities closer to the everyday people.
Tinubu has done his own, and if you cannot ask your individual local authorities what they have done with their allocations, that is your own irresponsibility as a citizen.
Remember, the amount each of the 774 authorities receive is published every month for all eyes to see.
Grassroot developments have begun, and it will only get better with time.
No more na governor chop money.
Hold your governors and LG chairmen by the neck.
They must deliver EVERYTHING IS NOT TINUBU !!!
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and welfare of National Youth Service Corps members posted to the state, assuring them of a peaceful and enabling environment throughout their service year.
Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 940 corps members took the oath of allegiance marking their formal admission into the mandatory three-week orientation course.
The governor made the pledge on Friday, during the formal swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members held at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, Government Science Technical College, Amada, in Akko Local Government Area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development / Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, Inuwa Ibrahim welcomed the corps members to the “Jewel in the Savannah.
Governor Yahaya described Gombe as a “safe haven,” stressing that his administration places high priority on youth development, peace, and security.
“We guarantee a conducive working environment for your activities and programmes during your service year,” he said. “Let me assure you of our unwavering commitment to your welfare, security, and general well-being.”
The governor, who congratulated the new corps members on their successful academic journey and induction into national service, advised them to take the orientation course seriously, as it lays the foundation for a purposeful service year.
“The orientation course is designed to introduce you to the objectives of the NYSC. I urge you to participate actively and take advantage of the teachings and training to develop your potential,” he stated.
Yahaya encouraged the corps members to integrate into their host communities and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state.
“As you serve in Gombe, I encourage you to be part of our developmental efforts and help in empowering the youth. Your predecessors left positive footprints, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue building on that legacy,” he added.
The governor also commended the NYSC scheme for promoting national unity over the past 50 years and appreciated partner agencies and stakeholders for their continued support of the scheme in the state.
He concluded by declaring the orientation course officially open and wished the corps members a fruitful, impactful, and incident-free service year.
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The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has called off its warning strike, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, announced on Friday.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting in Abuja, Pate said the decision followed agreements reached between the government and the association’s leadership.
However, union leaders declined to speak to the press after the meeting.
Nurses and midwives under the association had begun a nationwide warning strike on July 29 over unmet demands, including improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions in federal health institutions.
The strike, which affected public health institutions across the country, was scheduled to last until August 5.
The union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had previously accused the Federal Government of failing to engage with the association during the 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” Rilwan had said.
The association is demanding an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan had also said the decision to embark on the strike was driven by widespread frustration among members over years of neglect.
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