Soyombo, an award-winning investigative journalist, gave the charge at the second edition of the National Wire Campus Business Journalism Awards on Friday.
“Every young campus journalist on this call is in the best place possible,” he said. “For everything you seek to achieve in journalism, a head start is important — and that head start begins on campus.
“Those who start after NYSC will find you already ahead. Whether you win today or not, you are in the right place. If you win, congratulations. The future is bright. Starting well now gets you accustomed to excellence.
“Journalism may not give you the highest pay, but it offers unmatched fulfilment and impact. You may not fully understand the value now, but one day you will look back and see the difference you made. If you do it well, you are powerful.
“Journalists often underestimate their power. But when practised with integrity, honesty, and public interest above personal gain, journalism advances society. Even those in power may not like you — not because of how you write, but because you refuse to be on their side.
“Journalism is not about brilliance, diction, or eloquence alone. The biggest asset is integrity. With integrity in abundance, you will excel in journalism and in life. You will be fulfilled, happy, and proud of your choice.”
Soyombo congratulated the winners and encouraged non-winners, saying they were learning early how to improve and compete.
Earlier, Chairman of the Awards and News Editor of National Wire, Dayo Emmanuel, reflected on the platform’s ten-year journey.
“Today is special for us at National Wire. This gathering celebrates not just winners but a journey that began ten years ago with a bold idea,” Emmanuel said.
He recounted how he and colleagues — Folake Sokoya, Abiodun Omotosho, Tayo Olanipekun, and Friday Ekeoba — who worked at Newswatch Times, founded National Wire to focus on credible journalism, especially business and financial reporting.
The team received support from Dr. Olufolahan Osunmuyiwa, UI/UX expert Jimi Moses, and their late first web administrator, Ayobami Ayodele, whose contributions they still cherish.
Emmanuel noted that three core team members received financial journalism training under the Bloomberg Media Initiative for Africa. In 2024, the question “Who is preparing the next generation of business journalists?” led to the creation of the Campus Business Journalism Awards.
The first edition exceeded expectations, with Olamide Ayoade from Olabisi Onabanjo University emerging winner. This year’s edition attracted entries from Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and others.
Emmanuel appreciated the panel of judges led by Seun Akioye, with Ibrahim Ishaya of TheNiche and Mrs. Ugonma Cokey of Voice of Nigeria. He also thanked sponsors and especially Fisayo Soyombo for accepting the invitation.
“To all contestants, thank you. This is about courage, participation, and growth. Every participant is already a winner,” he said.
Chairman of the Panel of Judges, Seun Akioye, commended Soyombo’s address and encouraged participants.
“From the entries, many of the qualities Fisayo mentioned are already visible,” Akioye said. He urged all campus journalists to recognise they already have a head start, citing the success of former campus journalist Kemi Busari, now an editor at Dubawa.
Akioye advised students to read Lekan Otufodunrin’s book The Journalist You Ought to Be and to recruit more students into campus journalism.
Editor of National Wire, Mr. Friday Ekeoba, charged students to give their best. He praised Soyombo and the judges for ensuring credibility.
“Business journalism is harder because it demands understanding figures, markets, and human impact. Follow the money and the people. Be accurate. Build expertise now by reading reports and budgets,” Ekeoba advised.
Mrs. Ugonma Cokey announced the winners in the Best Campus Business Story category.
Second runner-up: Matthew Ogunwale (student housing story).
First runner-up: Abdulrasheed Olokoto (“The Business of Survival”).