Renowned Journalist Reflects on Risks, Commitment to Investigative Journalism
Prominent investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has affirmed his readiness to confront death as a potential consequence of his work, describing his profession as a life mission. Soyombo made these remarks on Saturday during an interview with ARISE Television, shortly after his release by the Nigerian military.
The journalist disclosed that he spent a staggering ₦6 million on his latest undercover investigation, which exposed the operations of oil theft and illegal bunkering in Port Harcourt. The exposé, however, led to his arrest by soldiers during the course of the investigation.
A Costly and Risky Endeavor
“It may interest anyone that, based on my expenses, I spent ₦6 million on this story,” Soyombo revealed, underscoring the financial burden associated with investigative reporting in Nigeria.
Acknowledging the dangers inherent in his line of work, he said:
“One day, I may not come back because, at the end of the day, death is the end for every one of us. People are afraid of talking about death, but it’s inevitable—it’s just a question of when. I see this work as my life mission, and while I know the risks, I still do it. It’s hard to find people willing to embrace that reality.”
Challenges of the Profession
Soyombo lamented the lack of institutional support and the fleeting nature of public memory, factors that complicate the work of investigative journalists.
“There’s no insurance for this work, and people tell me all the time that names are eventually forgotten. Nigerians may not remember me, and that’s fine—I don’t want to be remembered. If I grow old and die, I just want to rest in peace. These personal principles guide my life,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Soyombo expressed an unyielding passion for exposing societal ills, stating, “My interest in investigative reporting runs deep. I wouldn’t go to these lengths if it wasn’t. The motivation has to be internal and personal because the environment does not support this kind of work.”
Advice for Aspiring Investigative Journalists
To those who view him as a role model, Soyombo offered words of wisdom:
“You must have a clear reason for doing this work. You cannot be influenced by external factors—that’s a weak position to have. For investigative reporting or any path in life, know why you’re doing it, and let that internal drive guide you.”
Impact and Inspiration
Fisayo Soyombo’s dedication to shedding light on issues such as corruption and illegal activities continues to inspire a new generation of journalists. His latest investigation not only highlights the economic sabotage posed by oil theft but also underscores the critical role of fearless journalism in holding systems accountable.
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