Tributes have poured in for veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Chief Dan Agbese, who passed on yesterday.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, his predecessor, David Mark, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, former presidential media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, and Mohammed Haruna said Agbese would be missed.
They spoke glowingly of the seasoned media icon, who died at 81.
Akpabio described Agbese’s death as “a monumental loss to Nigeria’s journalism family and to all who value truth, integrity, and courageous storytelling.”
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate president expressed profound sorrow at the departure of “a media icon whose pen never wavered in defence of the public interest.”
He noted that the late Agbese belonged to a generation of journalists whose work defined an era and set the good standard for ethical, fearless, and professional journalism in Nigeria.
Akpabio said: “On behalf of the National Assembly, my family, and the good people I represent, 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.”
Akpabio extended his deepest condolences to the Agbese family, his friends and the entire media community, noting that the void created by his passing will be felt across newsrooms and editorial boards nationwide.
He also commiserated with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), describing “this moment as a shared grief for all who believe in the critical role of journalism in nation-building.
Mark, who is the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressed deep grief.
He described the passing of Agbese as a personal loss, noting that he has lost “a brother and a pathfinder of enormous value. 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.”
Describing Agbese’s death as a monumental loss not only to journalism but to the entire nation, Mark said: “At a time when truth and accountability are more vital than ever, Nigeria has lost a voice that consistently stood for justice, ethical reporting, and national unity.”
Ex-Presidential candidate Obi said Agbese was a consummate columnist, a remarkable journalist, and a passionate advocate for a better Nigeria.
He stated on X: “Throughout his life, he tirelessly worked to highlight the challenges facing our nation and inspired many with his vision for progress and good governance.
“He also contributed immensely to journalism through robust engagements and the mentoring of younger colleagues.
“Mr Dan stood by me during the electioneering period, lending his voice and pen in support of my efforts to serve the people.
“His commitment to truth, integrity, and the development of Nigeria will be sorely missed.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant comfort and strength to his family, colleagues, and all who were touched by his work.”
One of Agbese’s co-founders at the Newswatch Yakubu Mohammed expressed shock at the death of Agbese, describing it as loss of a colossus, who has been into writing since the 60s.
“He was a writer, author and guiding light for those behind him,” he said.
Shehu said the media has lost one of its brightest.
In a condolence to the family, Shehu, who was Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, said: “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 (NMF), 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 range from compelling newspaper columns, reaching so many followers over several decades.”
Until his death, Agbese was a renowned journalist and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and for his satirical columns.
He was editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
Agbese was one of the founders of the trail-blazing Newswatch magazine and was, until April 2010, its Editor-in-Chief. Before his passing, he wrote several books and maintained weekly columns in notable newspapers, including the Daily Trust and The Guardian, while running a media consultancy with his friends and colleagues, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.
He is survived by wife Rose, six children and seven grand-children.
Born on May 12, 1944, Chief Agbese’s professional journey began at The New Nigerian and The Nigeria Standard, where he cut his teeth in reporting and editorial work.
But his defining career milestone came in 1984, when he joined Giwa, Ekpu and Mohammed to establish Newswatch, a weekly news magazine that became a model of investigative journalism in Nigeria.
Over the years, he held several leadership roles within the magazine, including managing editor, deputy editor-in-chief and editor-in-chief, helping to shape modern journalism.
A scholar of mass communication and journalism, the late Agbese earned degrees from the University of Lagos and in 1976/77. He went for a Master’s degree at the Graduate School of Journalism of Columbia University, New York City.
He was also a prolific author. Among his 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, are considered essential reading for journalists and media practitioners.
In an interview, the late Agbese said of his love for publishing: “I had had a long association with book publishing from the period of my youth service in 1973/1974.
“I was a reader for Heinemann Educational Books in Ibadan, and so I picked up a lot of interest in writing books. And I had hoped that if I returned I would set up a book publishing company, but it didn’t work out that way.”
