By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of veteran journalist and co-founder of the Newswatch magazine, Chief Dan Agbese, who died on Monday at the age of 81.
In a heartfelt tribute, Tinubu lauded Agbese as a national asset and a titan whose life’s work laid the bedrock for modern, ethical, and fearless journalism in Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Agbese’s passing as “painful” and a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry.
The President said Agbese played a defining role in shaping modern journalism in the country, adding that his contribution will be remembered forever.
He noted that Agbese and his colleagues at Newswatch ushered in a new era of investigative and interpretative reporting that elevated professional standards and strengthened public accountability.
“Dan Agbese was not just a journalist; he was an institution. His pen shaped public opinion, strengthened democratic discourse, and inspired a generation of media practitioners.
“He served Nigeria with integrity, courage, and commitment to truth and justice. His contribution to the evolution of the modern Nigerian press will be remembered forever.
“I join his family, particularly his wife, children, and the entire media community, in mourning. May his legacy continue to guide the noble calling of journalism in our nation,” the statement added.
The New Diplomat reports that Agbese was a highly respected figure in Nigerian journalism, and his contributions to the field have been widely celebrated.
To many, Agbese is considered a pioneer of investigative journalism in Nigeria because of the role he played in shaping modern journalism in the country.
He was born on May 12, 1944, in Agila, Benue State, and held degrees in mass communications and journalism from the University of Lagos and Columbia University, New York, respectively.
He was also a former editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
Some of his notable works include: “Nigeria Their Nigeria,” “Fellow Nigerians,” “The Reporter’s Companion”, “Style: A Guide to Good Writing,” and “The Columnist’s Companion: The Art and Craft of Column Writing.”
Agbese is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren.
