Ace Journalist, Kazeem Awojoodu Hails Fisayo Soyombo Over Undercover Investigation Into Illegal Migration

Ace Journalist, Kazeem Awojoodu Hails Fisayo Soyombo Over Undercover Investigation Into Illegal Migration
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‎Ace journalist, Kazeem Awojoodu, has hailed investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) Nigeria for undertaking an extensive undercover investigation into the realities of illegal migration to Europe.
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‎Awojoodu, in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, said Soyombo spent months disguising himself and changing his physical appearance before embarking on a 47-day land journey to Europe through the desert and the Mediterranean Sea to experience firsthand what migrants go through along the route.
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‎He said what particularly caught his attention was the extent to which Soyombo transformed his physical appearance as part of the investigation, describing the process as an indication of the level of mental toughness and commitment required for investigative journalism.
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‎According to Awojoodu, although Soyombo was not the first journalist to undertake an investigation of such nature, the extent of his personal involvement in the journey was what stood out to him.
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‎He said the investigation demonstrated that every profession has its extreme demands, adding that people seeking to distinguish themselves in their chosen fields may sometimes have to push beyond their comfort zones.
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‎Awojoodu noted that such efforts could be mentally, emotionally and physically draining, but said perseverance could ultimately produce meaningful results and draw attention to issues that might otherwise remain hidden.
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‎He also urged members of the public to refrain from attacking FIJ whenever the platform publishes investigative reports involving individuals or issues they support, stressing the importance of investigative journalism in exposing alleged wrongdoing and bringing hidden realities to public attention.
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‎“Please, when next FIJ makes an investigative report about your favourite, stop attacking him. If not for people like him, I don’t know what the level of wickedness in the world would have looked like,” Awojoodu said.
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‎He added that Soyombo’s investigation demonstrated the sacrifices that journalists sometimes make in the course of gathering information and telling stories that affect society.
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‎Awojoodu concluded by celebrating Soyombo for his courage, dedication and commitment to investigative journalism.
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