Dan Agbese, a journalism icon and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, died on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 81. LAOLU AFOLABI examines his life, legacy, and enduring impact on the journalism profession

Nigeria has lost a steady light—a columnist whose words carried the weight of truth, a newsroom leader whose calm authority defined an era, and a founding editor who helped reshape investigative journalism. Chief Dan Agbese’s passing at 81 marks an era’s end.

His passing, confirmed in a statement by the Agbese family of the Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, draws the curtains on a career that spanned more than five decades, touching newspapers, broadcasting, magazine journalism and the mentoring of generations of reporters.

“We hereby announce the passing away of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.

“Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday, November 17, 2025. He was aged 81,” the family wrote, describing him as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor whose life shaped many beyond his immediate household.

Master of storytelling

Born on May 12, 1944, Agbese’s early life in Benue State, and later his studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, forged the deep curiosity and clarity of thought that became the trademarks of his writing. He began his journalism career at the New Nigerian and The Nigeria Standard, quickly earning respect for crisp reporting and disciplined editing.

His rise coincided with turbulent years in Nigeria’s political history—and he met them with courage. By the time he served as Editor of The Nigeria Standard, then Editor of the New Nigerian, and later as General Manager of Radio Benue, Agbese had established a reputation for balance, integrity and a prose style that blended elegance with quiet satire.

But it was in 1984, when he joined Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Yakubu Mohammed to found Newswatch, that his legacy became cemented. Together, the quartet created what became Africa’s most influential weekly newsmagazine, consistently challenging power and reshaping investigative reporting in Nigeria.

Their work came with danger. Government crackdowns intensified. Censorship shadowed the newsroom. And in 1986, the assassination of Dele Giwa by a parcel bomb shook the media world. Through it all, Agbese remained unflinching.

His colleagues describe him as the calm in the storm — analytical, steady, and quietly firm. He later served as Managing Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch, steering the magazine through military regimes and democratic shifts until April 2010.

His works

Even after leaving Newswatch, Agbese’s voice never dimmed. He wrote weekly columns in Daily Trust and The Guardian, offering commentary that ranged from political analysis to societal critique, always with clarity, humour, and grace.

He also authored influential books — “Nigeria Their Nigeria,” “Fellow Nigerians,” “The Reporter’s Companion,” “Style: A Guide to Good Writing,” “The Columnist’s Companion” — works now considered essential reading for journalists and columnists.

He co-ran a media consultancy with long-time collaborators, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade, nurturing young writers and advising media institutions.

Agbese was known for his satirical columns, his calm, analytical style, his integrity and professionalism.

Colleagues recall that Agbese wrote without venom, debated without rancour, challenged power without theatrics. His commentaries radiated a quiet courage — the kind that does not need volume to command respect.

His influence lives in countless reporters he mentored, the standards he set, the institutions he built, and the public trust he carried with dignity.

Agbese is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren.

Tributes pour in

President Bola Tinubu described Agbese as “not just a journalist; he was an institution.” He praised his defining contributions to modern Nigerian journalism and credited him with elevating public accountability.

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 would be remembered forever.

“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 President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described the death of Agbese as a major blow to the nation’s media community and the country’s democratic development.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the late Agbese’s death as “a monumental loss to Nigeria’s journalism family and to all who value truth, integrity, and courageous storytelling.”

The statement read, “I deeply mourn the loss of Chief Dan Agbese, a distinguished journalist who devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, accountability, and press freedom.

“His writings shaped national conscience, challenged power, and illuminated the path of democracy. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of journalists yet unborn.”

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress and former President of the Senate, David Mark, said with the death of Newswatch co-founder and media icon, Dan Agbese, he has lost “a brother and a pathfinder of enormous value.”

Mark, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, said: “The Nigerian media fraternity has been thrown into deep mourning, following the passing of one of its finest professionals, Editor Dan Agbese, whose transition marks the end of an era defined by integrity, fearlessness and an unwavering commitment to the truth.

“Editor Agbese was more than a newsroom leader. He was a national asset whose pen shaped public discourse, elevated journalistic standards, and inspired generations of young reporters across the country. His career was distinguished by excellence, depth, fairness and courage, earning him a revered place among Nigeria’s most respected media icons.’’

Former spokesperson to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Nigerian media has lost one of its brightest names with the death of Agbese.

Shehu said: “Nigerian media has lost one of its brightest names with the death of Newswatch co-founder and a former editor of the New Nigerian newspaper, Dan Agbese.

“His reporting, commentary, and editorial leadership drew widespread interest and admiration because he possessed a deep understanding of both local and international issues, coupled with an enviable knack of humour and incisive commentary. He was insightful and humble.

“As Chairman of the Northern Media Forum, he led with firmness, fairness, and candour, giving us a rare opportunity to interact periodically with him.

“Throughout this period, he remained a curious mind, always seeking to learn, with humility, until his last days.

“His demise after a long illness has deprived the media community, nay the nation, of a distinct voice which rang from compelling newspaper columns, reaching so many followers over several decades. My condolences to his family, colleagues, and many friends.”

For the League of Nigerian Columnists, where Agbese was honoured with the LNC Fellowship in 2021, his passing marks “the end of an era defined by integrity and clarity of thought.”

The League, in a statement by its Secretary General, Prof Anthony Kila, said: “We mourn profoundly the passing of Mr Agbese, an exceptional journalist, insightful columnist, and one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in the public sphere. His departure signifies the end of an era characterised by integrity, clarity of thought, and professional bravery, which epitomised the highest standards of journalism in our nation.

“Dan Agbese was more than a reporter or editor; he was a steward of public trust. As co-founder of Newswatch and one of Nigeria’s most influential columnists, he helped shape the national conversation with exceptional wisdom, calm authority, and unwavering dedication to truth. His analytical depth, elegant prose, and disciplined judgment set standards that generations of writers and commentators continue to aspire to.

“Within the Nigerian community of columnists, Dan Agbese stood as a beacon of excellence. He wrote without malice, debated without rancour, and held those in power to account without theatrics. He showed that courage need not be loud, that conviction need not be abrasive, and that commentary, when rooted in knowledge and integrity, can illuminate society and bolster democracy.

“For the League of Nigerian Columnists, he was not only a towering figure but also a moral compass. He was awarded the highest honour for a columnist in Nigeria, the LNC Fellowship, in 2021.

“His legacy teaches us the enduring value of responsible writing, intellectual honesty, and a commitment to serving the public good. At a time when public discourse is increasingly polarised and sensationalised, his example reminds us of the dignity that should accompany the written word.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends, and all who admired his work. Nigeria has lost a thoughtful voice, journalism has lost a beacon, and we, as columnists, have lost one of our finest. We honour Dan Agbese for a life committed to truth, professionalism, and the pursuit of a better society. May his memory continue to inspire and guide us.”