Connect with us

News

US consulate unveils fellowship to empower young Nigerian journalists

Published

on

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.

See also  Ensure Jonathan’s safe return to Nigeria, Reps tell FG

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Ramadan: Adamawa gov relaxes night-time restriction on tricycles

Published

on

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has approved a review of the existing restriction on the operations of commercial tricycles, known as Keke NAPEP, in parts of the state for the 2026 Ramadan period.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Friday.

The statement said the restriction, which previously ran from 10pm to 5am would now commence an hour later.

“Under the revised directive, the restriction which previously ran from 10pm to 5am will now commence from 11p to 5am daily throughout the 2026 Ramadan period.

“The review takes immediate effect,” the statement read.

The government explained that the adjustment was introduced to ease movement for Muslim faithful during the holy month.

“The adjustment is intended to allow Muslim faithful attend late-night tafsir sessions with ease during the holy month,” it added.

The statement recalled that the Adamawa State Government had, in February 2021, imposed restrictions on the movement of tricycles and motorcycles through the Adamawa State Restriction of Movement of Tricycles/Motorcycles Executive Order No. 1 of 2021, as part of measures to strengthen public safety and security.

It noted that the latest review reflects the administration’s effort to balance religious observance with security considerations.

“The present review is therefore informed by the Government’s commitment to supporting religious observance, while maintaining the gains recorded in peace and security across the state,” the statement said.

Fintiri also directed security agencies to intensify patrols across the affected local government areas.

See also  FRSC officer, daughter’s suspected killer arrested in Ghana

“Governor Fintiri has accordingly directed security agencies to intensify patrols, particularly within Yola North, Yola South and Girei, through the deployment of additional personnel to safeguard lives and property.

“He warned that any breach of the law will be dealt with decisively,” the statement added.

The governor further appealed to residents to act responsibly and avoid actions that could undermine the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

Continue Reading

News

DSS to arraign El-Rufai Feb 25 over alleged cybercrime, security breach

Published

on

The Department of State Services (DSS) will on February 25 arraign former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on alleged cybercrime and breach of national security

LIB had earlier reported that the DSS on Monday, February 16, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the court papers, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, “admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.”

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

In count two, the ex-governor was alleged to have, on February 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, stated during the interview that he knew and related with a certain individual who unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, without reporting the said individual to relevant security agencies.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count three alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety and national security and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications.

See also  PHOTOS: Drama as young woman suspected to be 'drugged' rolls in muddy water in Ogbomoso

The DSS said the ex-governor by his own comment during the live interview committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

lindaikejiblog.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

News

Mob besieges Benin FRSC office

Published

on

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has praised the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force for their swift and decisive response during the recent attack on the Benin Toll Gate Unit Command Office.

The attack occurred on Thursday at the RS5.12 Benin Toll Gate Unit on the Benin–Lagos Expressway, following a crash involving two trucks, the statement said.

One truck driver died in the accident, while FRSC personnel sustained critical injuries, with one officer later succumbing despite urgent medical attention.

“In the aftermath of the crash, an angry mob besieged and vandalised the Unit Command formation. However, the prompt response by security agencies helped to restore order and prevent further escalation,” Mohammed said in a statement issued on Friday by the FRSC spokesman, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in Abuja.

The Corps Marshal condemned the attack on FRSC personnel and facilities as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” emphasising that the operatives were on lawful duty to save lives.

He also commiserated with the families of the deceased driver, the fallen officer, and the entire FRSC workforce.

Mohammed has ordered a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and the circumstances that led to the mob action.

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The FRSC boss reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians and called on the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of its activities.

(NAN)

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

See also  Navy Dredges 11km Waterway In Lake Chad To Stop Terrorists’ Occupation
Continue Reading

Trending