Fisayo Soyombo: Biography, career, net worth of Nigeria's Investigative Journalist
Written By
Sam AdeniyiSEO Writer, E-mail Markerter
Fisayo Soyombo stands as a symbol of fearless investigative journalism in Nigeria. Fisayo's groundbreaking exposés have revealed corruption in Nigeria's public institutions. His work has earned him recognition as one of Africa's top voices in journalism.
The founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, remains a voice that refuses to be silenced. Fisayo's influence spans multiple platforms, from Twitter posts to deeply researched investigative essays that have sparked national conversations and driven policy changes.
This piece tells the story of Fisayo's remarkable journey from his early life to his current role. This post will look into Fisayo's biography, career choices, lifestyle, net worth, properties, and family life.
Fisayo Soyombo's Early Life
Fisayo Soyombo, Nigeria's foremost investigative journalist, was born on October 2 in the historic city of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Soyombo's native Ago-Iwoye heritage shaped his early life. Abeokuta was crucial in moulding Fisayo's early worldview and values, though he kept his family background private. His deep connection to Ogun State as an Ago-Iwoye native has shaped Fisayo's understanding of local communities and their challenges.
Knowing Fisayo Soyombo's Family
Born into the family of Mr Moses Adeggboyega Soyombo and Mrs Soyombo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Fisayo has kept his marital status from the public. His father, Mr Adegboyega, 77, has been married to his wife for 44 years as of 2024.
However, he joked about having a wife in a 2019 post, saying if he were married, his wife would be jealous of him seeing him relentlessly watch Liverpool matches.
Fisayo's Education
His academic path included several notable institutions:
- Early education at Lawson's Childcare Nursery and Primary School
- Continued at Labso Nursery and Primary School
- Secondary education at African Church Grammar School, Ita-Iyalode, Owu
- A brief stint at the Federal University of Agriculture, Alabama (FUNAAB) in 2003
- Fisayo graduated with a B. Agric. in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan.
How and Why Fisayo Choose Journalism as a career
"I made a conscious decision to become a journalist," Fisayo revealed in an interview. His switch from Animal Science to journalism was deliberate. "I wanted to use my pen to advance public interest and speak truth to power", he added.
His passion for journalism blossomed during his first year at the University of Ibadan. He joined the Mellanby Hall Press organization and the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ). His natural talent earned him five prestigious awards - two from UCJ, two from Mellamby Hall Press, and one from Indy Hall Press.
Meeting his mentor, Jahman Anikulapo, during his internship at The Guardian newspaper marked a turning point. Anikulapo became "probably the biggest influence on my journalism career", Fisayo disclosed.
Fisayo Soyombo Career
Fisayo's 9-year-old career in Nigerian journalism spans several prestigious organizations. His career in Journalism began at the Guardian as a Sunday desk writer. He stayed with The Guardian for two more years between 2006 and 2009, where he also did his national youth service.
He reluctantly left The Guardian for Content Watch, a pro-local content oil and gas magazine owned by Taijo Wonukabe. Soyombo later moved to Jobmag, then The Will, before moving to the now-defunct Flair Nigeria.
His first significant shift into journalism started at The Cable in April 2014 as the founding News and Feature Editor and quickly moved up to become the Founding Editor. The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) brought him on as their Edito; he later served as Managing Editor at Sahara Reporters from May 2018 to June 2019.
Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) came to life in June 2020 to curb injustice and keep those in power accountable. FIJ is an independent, not-for-profit organization that cuts through official propaganda to uncover the truth.
His investigative work has revealed deep systemic problems. In one of his works, Fisayo spent five days in police custody and eight days in Ikoyi Prison to expose Nigeria's corrupt criminal justice system.
Prior to founding FIJ, Fisayo has done other investigations, such as bringing attention to abandoned injured soldiers fighting Boko Haram and corruption in government-run mortuaries and cemeteries. He also went undercover for three weeks at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital to expose the staff shortage, ghost workers and other issues ragging the hospital.
Fisayo's line of work comes with its share of dangers. The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt detained him while he was looking into illegal oil bunkering, which took the intervention of media outlets and other stakeholders to demand his release. His experience shows what journalists face in Nigeria, where we rank 123rd out of 180 countries for press freedom. Death threats have forced him into hiding several times, especially when he exposed police corruption and failures in our judicial system.
Despite these challenges, Fisayo's work has continued to receive global admiration. His organization, FIJ, has been selected as one African to make it to the One World Media International Journalist of the 2024 Prize longlist. This shows how fearless investigative journalism from Nigeria can reach global audiences.
Fisayo Soyombo's net worth, cars and houses
Fisayo's Soyombo net worth is not publicly displayed, but he is estimated to be worth $500,000 in 2024.
Fisayo makes his money from several places, mostly journalism, which includes;
- Leadership role at the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ)
- Speaking gigs and journalism training
- Freelance investigative projects
- International grants and awards for investigative work
Fisayo Soyombo's Cars and Houses
Fisayo lives in Lagos but keeps his property details private due to the nature of his work, so he chooses to stay for security reasons. He says he's more focused on his investigative work than showing off. Hence, he picks the cars he needs to handle the challenging demands of investigative journalism - luxury isn't part of Fisayo's forte. For Fisayo, nothing beats moments like helping Nwibani get a prosthesis or exposing corruption that hurts everyday Nigerians.
Fisayo Soyombo's Awards and Recognition
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As of 2024, Fisayo Soyombo has received several prestigious awards recognizing his exceptional contributions to investigative journalism. These include:
- Fetisov Journalism Award: Second Prize for Outstanding Investigation.
- Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism: Winner in the Local Reporter category.
- People Journalism Prize for Africa : Winner.
- Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting: Three-time winner (2016, 2017, 2019).
- Reuters Institute Fellowship (2022): Selected as a fellow at the University of Oxford.
- One World Media Awards Finalist for International Journalist of the Year (2021); Nominee, Press Freedom Award, formerly Special Award (2024).
Conclusion
Fisayo's experience in Nigerian journalism shows how dedication to truth can make real change happen. Graduating in Animal Science but choosing a different path led him to start the Foundation for Investigative Journalism. This platform helps expose deep-rooted corruption in Nigeria's institutions.
Each investigation reflects his steadfast dedication to the public interest, whether he spends days undercover in prison or faces threats from powerful groups. This work has brought international recognition, and he's making waves across many strata in the country, including the Nigeria Customs, Nigeria Police Force, and other public institutions.