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US consulate unveils fellowship to empower young Nigerian journalists

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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.

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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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PHOTOS: Police demote officer for unauthorised VIP escort duty

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The Nigeria Police Force has demoted a corporal to the rank of constable for engaging in unauthorised VIP escort duties, in violation of directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police and President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the force disclosed that CPL Suleiman Musa (F/No: 517077), attached to 45 PMF, was found escorting a VIP without the required clearance. His action was deemed a breach of the strict enforcement measures put in place to end the indiscriminate deployment of police personnel for such assignments.

According to the statement, the disciplinary action serves as a warning to other officers and reinforces the need for full compliance with operational guidelines.

The force also noted that the incident raises questions about how the unauthorised assignment came about and whether the officer acted alone.

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PHOTOS: Father, son, three others d!e in Kano well collapse and fire incident

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Tragedy struck across three local government areas of Kano State as five people, including a 10-year-old girl, lost their lives in separate incidents involving a well collapse, a fall into a well, and a house fire.

The spokesperson of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incidents in a statement issued on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

The first incident occurred in Badume Kanawa Village, Bichi Local Government Area, where three people d!ed while attempting to re-dig a well.

According to Abdullahi, the rope supporting one of the victims, identified as Sa’idu Gada, 65, snapped while he was working inside the well.

In a desperate attempt to save him, his son, Sani Isyaku, 20, entered the well but also became trapped. A third man, Yakubu Abdullahi, 60, followed with the hope of rescuing both, but he too was unable to make it out.

Fire Service personnel rescued the trio in an unconscious state, but they were later confirmed d3ad.

Their remains were handed over to DSP Kabiru Iliyasu of the Badume Police Division.

In another incident in Danbatta Local Government Area, a 10-year-old boy, Hassan Iliyasu Haruna, fell into a well and d!ed before help could reach him.

The third tragedy occurred in Badawa Layin Day in Nassarawa Local Government Area, where a 10-year-old girl d!ed in a house fire on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Fire Service officials said the blaze engulfed a section of a residential building, destroying two bedrooms. The girl was rescued unconscious but was later confirmed d3ad.

Speaking on the incidents, the Director of the Fire Service, Sani Anas, urged residents to avoid entering wells during emergencies, warning that such actions often result in additional casualties rather than successful rescues.

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He advised the public to immediately call emergency responders when accidents occur, stressing that trained personnel are better equipped to handle such situations safely.

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PHOTOS: Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims in Benue forest

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Nigerian Army troops of Joint Task Force Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation at Orokam Forest, a border area linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation was conducted on Friday at about 1:30 p.m., following credible intelligence from locals indicating the presence of a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest.

Troops deployed in Udenu LGA swiftly mobilised to the location alongside vigilante personnel of the Neighbourhood Watch.

While approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire on the troops. The joint team responded with a high volume of fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee in disarray and abandon the kidnapped victims.

14 abducted persons, who were returning from a burial ceremony over the weekend before being kidnapped, were rescued unhurt.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted from two separate communities Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.

The victims were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Udenu Division, for onward reunification with their families.

The troops expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement and returned to base at about 7:21 p.m. without any incident.

Troops had intensified monitoring of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

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