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  • Torrent of tributes for journalism icon Dan Agbese

    Torrent of tributes for journalism icon Dan Agbese

    • By Glorious Idowu

    Tributes, memories and quiet reflection marked the celebration of the life of renowned journalist and columnist, Chief Dan Agbese, on Monday, December 15 in Lagos.

    The event, held at Whitestone Event Place, Oregun, Ikeja, brought together journalists, public officials, writers and admirers of the late media icon, fondly called Oga Dan by colleagues and protégés.

    The opening remarks were delivered by a former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, himself a veteran journalist, who described Agbese as a man of good character worthy of emulation.

    Osoba said his longtime friend was a man of carefully articulated words, but one who deliberately chose simplicity.

    He noted that Agbese could use many words if he wanted, but preferred few, believing that meaning did not have to shout.

    Tributes followed from across the media and public space, each echoing a familiar theme of character before acclaim and substance before noise.

    What stood out most was his capacity to remain productive and enterprising even in his later years. Despite his age, he sustained regular newspaper columns, including in The Daily Trust, and continued to mentor younger journalists.

    His energetic leadership of the Northern Media Forum, a body of leading media owners and practitioners which he chaired, further showed his unwavering commitment to strengthening the media and ensuring its role in societal development.

    One of the most moving tributes came from Ray Ekpu, Agbese’s colleague and co-founder of Newswatch magazine.

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    Sir Ekpu described Agbese as a man who had every reason to be proud, yet never wore his achievements loudly. He said those who knew him understood how deeply he loved journalism and how fully he committed himself to the profession, while expecting the same seriousness from others. Despite his numerous qualifications and accomplishments, Ekpu noted that Agbese chose to be known simply as a father, a grandfather, a mentor and a teacher.

    Many speakers agreed that this restraint defined both his journalism and his life. Many even laughed, remembering his funny moments and how easy he made life seem with his humor and love

    Agbese’s career spanned over five decades, during which he helped shape modern Nigerian journalism.. From his early days at the New Nigerian to his years at Newswatch and later columns in The Guardian and Daily Trust, his writing followed a clear pattern of short sentences, clarity of thought and moral discipline.

    Colleagues recalled that his reports and columns were never hurried, trusting facts, readers and silence when silence was enough.

    The gathering ended in reflection rather than just applause.

    Chief Dan Agbese died on November 17, 2025, at the age of 81.

  • Night of tributes for Dan Agbese Dec 15

    Night of tributes for Dan Agbese Dec 15

    A special night of tributes will be held on December 15 in honour of veteran journalist, columnist, and author Chief Dan Agbese.

    The event is meant to honour the legacy and impact of the late Agbese, whose work and contributions shaped Nigerian journalism.

      The tribute, titled: “The Dan Agbese Standard: A Celebration of Love and Excellence,” will take place at Whitestone Event Place ay Number 3 Billingsway Road, Oregun, Ikeja.

    Media professionals, family and friends are expected to share stories and memories in celebration of Agbese’s life and legacy.

    Agbese passed away on November 17.

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    During his career of over 50 years in journalism, he was known for his courageous, sharp, and witty publications, and an unwavering commitment to ethical and professional journalism in Nigeria.

    His editorial and entrepreneurial leadership also helped in establishing new standards of accountability and excellence in investigative journalism in and outside Nigeria.

    His daughter, Dr. Aje-Ori Agbese, said: “This tribute is not just a celebration of his life. It is an opportunity for us to say goodbye in a positive way. My father touched many lives and minds through his work. But outside of his work, he was deeply committed to making people’s lives better through various personal and community projects. He was a very kind, playful and caring man. I think he should be remembered with joy.”

  • Family announces burial plans for veteran journalist Dan Agbese

    Family announces burial plans for veteran journalist Dan Agbese

    The family of Chief Dan Agbese, celebrated journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, has released the burial arrangements following his passing on Monday, November 17, 2025.

    He died at the age of 81.

    His death was confirmed in a statement issued by the Agbese family of the Ikpilogwu clan in Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

    “We hereby announce the passing away of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila,” the family said. “Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday, November 17, 2025. He was aged 81.”

    Agbese was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential journalists, known for his sharp intellect, satirical writing style and landmark contributions to the industry.

    He served as editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and later became General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.

    A prolific writer, he authored several books and maintained weekly columns in major national dailies, including Daily Trust and The Guardian. Until his passing, he also ran a media consultancy alongside long-time colleagues Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.

    Read Also: Dan Agbese’s legacy: A great gain

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

    Following the announcement of his passing, the family has released details of his burial programme. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Whitestone Event Place, No. 3 Billingsway, Oregun, Lagos, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

    The family invited friends, associates and admirers to attend the event and join in sharing memories, stories, laughter and tributes in honour of a man described as “a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.”

  • Dan Agbese’s legacy: A great gain

    Dan Agbese’s legacy: A great gain

    • By Ray Ekpan

    While I was away from this country – and this page – three woes waltzed into my life in a whopping fashion. My stepmother died. My sister passed on. My friend also went away. Dan Agbese, my friend, colleague and brother who has just said a permanent goodbye to me would have described these three incidents as a “whopper” if he had lived beyond his 81 years of age.

    Dan and I were classmates at the Department of Mass Communication of the University of Lagos (1970-73). We both graduated in 1973. We both look slightly alike: darkly painted, built like track stars, no beer belly even though we touched the bottle in those days but we did not touch it limitlessly. We are both tall by Nigerian standard but Dan is a sixfooter. I am not. He could have been a basketballer like Michael Jordan but sports was not his forte. When our classmates at the university borrowed a book from him, they would return it to me. And when they borrowed a book from me, they would take it to him. We both have oblong faces but we do not look strikingly alike, not like Siamese twins. We have this pet name Mkpori for each other. I can’t locate its etxmology. It is not an Annang name or an Idoma name, the tribes to which we both belong. It is lost in antiquity but we call each other that till today. Who will inherit the pet name? Nobody. It belonged to two of us. Now that Dan is dead, the name is dead too, dead like a dodo, stone dead.

    Even when we left school we were constantly in touch. He worked at the Nigerian Standard in Jos while I toiled at the Nigerian Chronicle in Calabar. The distance between Jos and Calabar is gaping but we did not allow distance to be the roadblock, the hurdle, to friendship. The then Minister of Communications, David Mark had said that telephones were only for the rich but we strenously utilised the equipment even though we were not rich. We bridged the distance with regular phone calls until 1984 when we co-founded Newswatch with two other friends Dele Giwa and Yakubu Mohammed. That was the point where we made the timely transition from friends to founders because we thought that we had what was needed to break into the media scene as entrepreneurs and break the monopoly of governments and the rich in that sector.

    Dan was older than all of us in Newswatch both in age and in journalism but he was a decent man who did not wear his longevity as a badge of suzerainty and did not display any superiority complex. He did not ride on a high horse or stay on Mount Sinai. He did not boast like a rainless thunder. That is why we were able to sing from the same hymn book. He did not have the short temper of a drill sergeant; he was always calm, ice calm and respectful to all, young and old. So for those who have respect for decency you have lost a beacon in Dan’s death.

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     Dan’s journalism was admirable, very admirable. The way his life was so was his journalism. He did not go out looking for the synthetic significance of fame. Fame came to him through the mastery of his craft, not through his craving for it. He did not write to impress; he wrote to express. He believed in simplicity, clarity, one word sentences and no grandiloquence. But in writing to express, he impressed admirably because his writing was understood by those who read him.

    Journalism is not Easy Street in Nigeria. It may not be the equivalent of Rocket Science but it is something akin to it because some corrupt and irresponsible leaders had tried to turn the profession on its head by tormenting journalists for their private gains. This happened largely during the days of military rule but the vice has not gone away even during our democratic dispensation. He was thrown into detention a few times but he survived the mental torture and illegal harassment because his journalism practice was wholesome and free of frivolous frills.

     He was the master of graceful writing, a wordsmith whose words were full of wisdom, wit, humour and something to remember. His writing was a definition of integrity, patriotism, inclusivity, professional and ethical correctness. He was a firm believer in the fairness doctrine and had no interest whatsoever in sensationalism, that reckless adventure into unguarded extremism and “gra-gra-ness.” His writing did not display either ethnic or religious bigotry, the twin evils that have threatened to drive Nigeria into the ground. His writing had no iota of brazenness, or theatrics or nihilism because he was not one of the perpetual preachers of pessimism. It was obvious that he loved Nigeria and wanted it to become a country loved by its citizens for the right reasons other than the fact that God planted them here.

     Even when Dan wrote an article on a subject that was esoteric, he always made it less than esoteric, less than pedantic, less than pedagogic by cutting it down to bite sizes for the sake of clarity and easy digestion.

    He was not an apostle of guerrilla journalism because he knew that guerrilla journalism is fraudulent propaganda, not fit to be touched by any self-respecting journalist. Yes, guerrilla journalism is propaganda, vile propaganda. Journalism is not. Journalism is the noble art of truth-telling, of fact-finding. What he practised was just that: journalism, and he practised it with missionary determination. In his journalism practice he was not scared of the sting and clash of battle but he performed even in such situations with an overriding sense of decency because of who he was: a decent man.

     At Newswatch, we adopted the prevailing trend in the journalism world then by pursuing what was then known as the New Journalism, a blend of investigative and interpretative journalism written in the seductive format of fiction writing. This was how we inserted ourselves in the task of agenda setting and the shaping of public conversation. Dan was an important part of that movement.

    After many years of military rule Nigerians were desirous of a return to democracy. It wasn’t an easy task because the boys in khaki who had been feasting on Nigeria’s honey pot were not ready to return to their trenches. They wanted to turn the feast into a festival of limitless “chopping”. That was a challenge for the media, civil society and the people but the larger burden of the problem lay with the media. Dan and other media personnel were in the thick of it, how to help bring democracy to Nigeria. And also the problem of how to keep the democratic government accountable to the people. That job remains unfinished because democracy and governance are not a day’s job. Our governance is still wobbling. Our politicians are still buying votes. Corruption is walking on four legs. Partisan politicians are engaging in endless litigation, moving from inferior courts to superior courts and from inferior courts to inferior courts in search of where justice can be converted to injustice. So our democracy and governance are an unfinished business. To respect Dan’s legacy we must all keep our eyes on the ball so that our democracy, governance and country can be better, much better, than what it is now.

    There is a royal road to royalty. Dan comes from a royal family in Agila, Benue State but there is no royal road to journalism. Dan started as a sophomore at the New Nigerian, became editor of the Nigerian Standard and rose to the pinnacle of the profession as the editor-in-chief of the trail-blazing Newswatch.

    Dan’s death, like all deaths, is like scrambled eggs. You cannot unscramble it otherwise we would have loved to do so for the sake of his family, the media family and the family of humanity for he was truly a great man. While his death is a great loss, the legacy he is leaving behind is a great gain. His admirable writing style has been the subject of study in some tertiary institutions in Nigeria. His columns were enthusiastically read by millions of Nigerians. His books are available for consumption by book lovers. His credible practice of journalism is a source of inspiration for young journalists.

    Dan was a great journalist and writer. That is putting it simply. Meekly. Casually. My condolences to his adorable wife, Rose, his six children, seven grandchildren and the entire Agbese clan. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

  • Dan Agbese (1944 – 2025)

    Dan Agbese (1944 – 2025)

    • A great journalist and wordsmith

    His stardom in Nigerian journalism was undisputed. When he received the Prize for Lifetime Achievement at the 25th Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) held in Lagos in 2016, the citation captured his essence, characterising him as “a great columnist, stylist and wordsmith,” “witty and sarcastic,” a “master of informed commentary,” and “easily one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential writers.”

    Dan Agbese’s death on November 17, aged 81, predictably made the headlines. It was perhaps the ultimate tribute to the veteran journalist, widely acknowledged as a superb headline writer.

    The DAME citation added that “Agbese’s lasting impact, perhaps, lies in the rigour he brings to his work, in the care employed in his choice of subjects and words, in the logic that accompanies his writings, and the engaging style in which he presents them.”

    Born in Agila, Ado Local Government Area of present-day Benue State, where he held a chieftaincy title, Awan’Otun, he studied Journalism at the University of Lagos (1970-1973) and Thomson Foundation, Cardiff, UK (1976); and earned a master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University, New York, USA (1976-1977).

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    His professional life as a journalist began after a teaching stint. He served as a staff writer for the New Nigerian newspapers (1967–1970). He was chief sub-editor of The Nigerian Standard, Jos (1974–1976), and later assistant editor (1978–1980). He also served as general manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi (1980); special adviser and director of information for Benue State (1980–1982); and editor of New Nigerian, Kaduna (1982–1984).

    The defining period of his career was his partnership with Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Muhammed to co-found Newswatch magazine in 1984, a brand that revolutionised Nigerian journalism with its investigative flair and presentational style. At some point, the magazine’s professional pursuit of truth got it into trouble with the military government of the day.

    It is a testimony to the magazine’s success and appeal that it inspired the founding of several other magazines fashioned after its model.

    He initially served as the magazine’s managing editor, and later became deputy editor-in-chief/deputy chief executive (1986-1994), and editor-in-chief (1994-2010).  After he retired from Newswatch Communication Limited in 2011, he co-established a media consultancy.

    He wrote books, including some aimed at improving journalism practice in the country. His books include “Fellow Nigerians: Turning Points in the Political History of Nigeria (1966 – 1999)”; “Nigeria, their Nigeria”; “Babangida: Military, Politics and Power in Nigeria”; “Style: A Guide to Good Writing”; “The Reporter’s Companion”; “The Columnist’s Companion: The Art and Craft of Column Writing”; and “The Energy Crises in Nigeria.”

    Indeed, he had planned to set up a book publishing company after his post-graduate studies. He said in an interview: “I thought I was going into book publishing. This was because 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.”

    After retirement from Newswatch, he kept a column in The Guardian newspaper, which underlined the relevance of his voice.  Notably, in 2021, the League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) awarded him the highest honour for a columnist in Nigeria—the LNC Fellowship.

    In a post-humous tribute, the LNC said Agbese’s 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.”

    He will be remembered as an enthusiastic logophile who promoted stylistic beauty in the communication of truth.

  • Tinubu, Akume mourn Newswatch co-founder Agbese

    Tinubu, Akume mourn Newswatch co-founder Agbese

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Chief Dan Agbese.

    The President described his passing as a painful and monumental loss to Nigeria’s media landscape.

    Agbese, a celebrated writer, editor, and respected public commentator, died on Monday in Lagos. He was 81.

    He held the traditional title of Awan’Otun of Agila in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Agbese as a towering figure whose work helped to redefine journalism practice in the country.

    The President recalled that Agbese, along with his colleagues at the trailblazing Newswatch weekly magazine, ushered in a new era of investigative and interpretative reporting that set enduring standards for professionalism, ethics, and courage in the media.

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    Akume described Agbese’s death as a colossal national loss, saying his passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

    The SGF said Agbese’s demise came at a critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey.

    He noted that the journalist’s “fatherly role and vast experience” would be deeply missed by the media and the nation.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the SGF described the late journalist as one of the pioneer trailblazers of Nigeria’s modern press, recalling his prominent role in challenging military rule and championing the restoration of democracy.

    “His death is a monumental national loss. Dan Agbese was a fine gentleman to the core. He was a man of strong conviction with unimpeachable character and unwavering determination to achieve great goals against all odds. His perchance for justice, equity and fairness set him apart from the rest,” he said.

    Akume applauded Agbese’s sharp prose, incisive commentary and decades-long dedication to journalism, saying these helped in shaping modern investigative reporting and Nigeria’s socio-political discourse.

    “The late Dan Agbese was a doyen of journalism and merchant of biting satire. He was such a versatile, bold and confident writer whose quill dripped brutal frankness. A mentor and father that professionally refined his mentees and turned them into masters of the pen craft,” Akume added.

    The SGF urged the Agbese family, friends and colleagues in the media industry to take solace in the exemplary life he lived, praying that God grants repose to his soul.

  • Akpabio, Mark, Obi, Shehu mourn media icon Dan Agbese

    Akpabio, Mark, Obi, Shehu mourn media icon Dan Agbese

    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.

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    “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.”

  • ‘His death a huge loss to journalism, punditry’

    ‘His death a huge loss to journalism, punditry’

    By Mohammed Haruna

    I’ve just received news of the death of Dan Agbese, whose deputy I was when he was Editor of the defunct New Nigerian in the early eighties. His death at 81 is a huge loss to the country’s journalism and punditry.

    As my tribute to my former boss and long-time friend, I reproduce below a slightly edited version of the tribute I paid to him when he clocked 70, eleven years ago, plus a telling reaction to the tribute from a reader.

    May Dan’s gentle soul rest with the Good Lord. And may He also give all of us the fortitude to bear his loss. Amen.

    An illustrious wordsmith at 70

    Yesterday, one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists and wordsmiths, Daniel Ochima Agbese, clocked 70. He was born on May 20, 1944, into Agila royalty in Okpowu Local Government of Benue State. It speaks volumes of the man’s character that few of his acquaintances and the millions of readers he must have gathered in his long – but hardly materially rewarding – career as a columnist, journalist and author, ever knew he was a prince. All his life, he’d always referred to himself as simply Mister, apparently because he did not suffer from the superiority complex of your typical Nigerian Big Man.

     Yet Dan, as those on a first-name basis with him call him, had sufficient virtues to make him feel proud and superior to most Nigerians. To begin with, God gave him a good head and a way with words. This was obvious from his academic career, which began in earnest when he returned to the classroom in 1970 after a three-year teaching career, followed by another year as a library assistant and ending with a four-year stint as a staff writer with the New Nigerian during its heydays in the late sixties.  Before all this he had attended Government Teachers Training College, Keffi, between 1960 and 1962.

    It was as a staff writer under the tutelage of Malam Adamu Ciroma, the first indigenous editor of the New Nigerian and the creator and principal author of the famous humour columnist, the anonymous Candido, that Dan left to pursue a degree in Journalism at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the second university in the country after the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to establish a degree course in the profession.

    At UNILAG, Dan became a prize-winning student and, upon graduation in 1973, earned himself a second-class upper division. That, in combination with a three-year stint as the chief sub-editor of the Nigeria Standard, then published by the then Benue-Plateau State, must have earned him a place in 1976/77 to do a Master’s degree at probably the best Journalism school in the world and custodian of the most prestigious journalism awards world-wide (The Pulitzer) – the Graduate School of Journalism of Columbia University, New York City.

    As with UNILAG so it was with Columbia; there he became the best of the 16 international students in the class and among the best of its entire 160 students.

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    Dan’s fascination with and love of the written word probably dated back to his days as a library assistant at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – possibly before. His move from there to the New Nigerian seemed then natural enough; after all, the written word is the principal commodity of both.

    Once he returned to class to read journalism, it seemed he had made up his mind to stick with it as his lifetime career and forget about being a librarian. However, as the man himself said in an interview with the defunct Verbatim newsmagazine (October 21, 2013), he developed second thoughts about remaining a journalist while still a student at Columbia.

    “Actually, as far back as 1977, when I was in graduate school in the US,” he said, “I didn’t think I was returning to journalism; I thought I was going into book publishing. This was because 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.”

    As things turned out, Dan stuck to Journalism. However, even though he did not become a book publisher, he wrote several of them. Indeed, he wrote enough to make him the most prolific author among Nigerian journalists since time.

    So far the man has six books to his credit, three of them (“The Reporter’s Companion”, “The Columnist’s Companion” and “Style: A Guide to Good Writing”), practical guides to Journalism that should be compulsory reading in all our Journalism schools, one (“Nigeria, Their Nigeria”), a satirical dig at Nigerians and their country after the fashion of that famous evergreen, “How to be a Nigerian”, by Peter Enahoro whose editorship of a national newspaper at 26 in the early sixties remains unbeaten, and two (“Fellow Nigerians: Turning Points in the Political History of Nigeria” and “IBRAHIM BABANGIDA: The Military, Politics and Power in Nigeria”, to date, the most authoritative and most definitive biography of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

    Dan has also edited three books, “Newswatch Conversation with Babangida, The Energy Crisis in Nigeria” and “In the Service of My Country: Selected Speeches of Abdullahi Adamu”, the two-term civilian governor of Nasarawa State.

    All books are a reader’s delight for their readability, insight, humour and precision.

      Among Dan’s virtues were not only his good head and a way with the written word. The man also possessed the courage of his convictions and a diligence for accuracy, balance and fairness in pursuing news stories. I saw these and other virtues first-hand as his deputy when he edited New Nigerian between 1982 and 1984.

    Before him, I had acted as the editor for 11 months. I was denied confirmation because the management and chieftains of the ruling National Party of Nigeria said I was too headstrong. Instead, Dan was brought in as editor at the time he was the Director of Information in Benue State, then also ruled by the NPN.

    Clearly, there was politics in his appointment but it was an appointment no one, certainly not I, could quarrel with; Dan was older and much more experienced as a journalist than I by the time he was appointed.

    Four years after his appointment, if those in authority thought they had a lapdog for an editor, it became obvious to them that they had made a great misjudgement. Day in day out, Dan published stories and ran editorials that they found uncomfortable. When he was not running such awkward stories, he was rejecting stories the authorities tried to foist on him that were clearly more public relations than news.

    For example, when the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola resigned his membership of the NPN after his humiliation following his bid for its chairmanship against the favoured late Chief Adisa Akinloye, Dan ran it as the lead story, much to the great annoyance of the party.

    On another occasion, he rejected a story based on a document allegedly signed by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which purported that he was training people in a forest in the Western Region for a coup against the Federal Government. While the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in Kaduna made hay with the story, Dan demanded incontrovertible proof that the document was genuine before he would publish the story. He never got the proof, and he never published it. In the end, it turned out that the document was fake and its source, a big con artist.

    Predictably, Dan’s editorship of the New Nigerian did not end on a happy note. Sensing the authorities had had enough of his unyielding insistence on professionalism and might push him out anytime, he decided to jump. Thus, his departure in 1984 to co-found Newswatch which eventually hit the streets in January 1985 as Nigeria’s first weekly newsmagazine to be owned principally by professional journalists themselves.

    The rest, as they say, is History. Newswatch ran without missing a beat for 27 years, except for its ban by the authorities a couple of times, once for a period of six months, due to its hard-hitting stories and scoops.

    Since its controversial takeover last year by Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, the controversial business mogul, Dan and his colleagues have established a book publishing company, May5Media, which has since published two books, one, “Moving in Circles”, a selection of their columns, and the other on the life and times of the rebel leader, the late Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu.

    Shows you, doesn’t it, that old journalists and old writers, like old soldiers, never die.

    Here are many more returns of yesterday to one of Nigeria’s best writers, humourists, satirists and, above all, most professional and most courageous journalists.

    Re: Dan Agbese at 70.

    Sir,

    I want to thank you for your beautiful piece on our Dan Agbese. I’ll always remember him for his article on the late Chief Awolowo prior to his last birthday in 1987. In that article, Agbese eulogised the qualities and contributions of Chief Awolowo and wrote that he will be remembered as the best president Nigeria never had. The sage died a few weeks after the publication and the late Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu made the same statement thereafter. While Nigerians were crediting the statement to Chief Ojukwu, Dan Agbese was the author and originator of the statement.

    Adefemi Aribatise, Lagos.

        •Haruna is a National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission.

  • David Mark mourns Dan Agbese

    David Mark mourns Dan Agbese

    The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, David Mark, has expressed deep grief over the death of foremost editor and media icon, Dan Agbese.

    Mark described the passing of Agbese as a personal loss, noting that he has lost “a brother and a pathfinder of enormous value.”

    According to Mark, “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.”

    He further stated that, “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.”

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    Mark noted that Agbese’s death is a monumental loss not only to journalism but to the entire nation.

    “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,” he said.

    He extended heartfelt condolences to Agbese’s family, colleagues, friends, and the entire media community, praying that they find strength and comfort in the legacy of a man who lived purposefully, worked tirelessly, and left an indelible mark on the profession he cherished.

    He added, “As we honour the memory of Dan Agbese, we recommit ourselves to the values he upheld – professionalism, courage, and the pursuit of truth.

    “His legacy will continue to inspire and guide the industry for years to come. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

  • BREAKING: Newswatch magazine co-founder Dan Agbese dies at 81

    BREAKING: Newswatch magazine co-founder Dan Agbese dies at 81

    One of Nigeria’s most respected journalists and a co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Dan Agbese, is dead.

    He was aged 81.

    Family sources confirmed that the renowned columnist and editor passed away Monday morning, November 17, in Lagos.

    Agbese, celebrated for his sharp prose and decades-long contribution to journalism, was a central figure in shaping modern investigative reporting and commentary in Nigeria.

    A statement issued by the Agbese family of Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State said, “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.

    “Burial arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.

    “Born May 12, 1944, in Agila, Chief Agbese was a renowned journalist and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and renowned for his satirical columns.

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    He was editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.

    “Chief 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 his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren.”

    Agbese, a former editor of The Nigeria Standard, the New Nigerian, as well as former general manager of Radio Benue, was, until April 2010, the Editor-in-Chief of the Newswatch magazine.

    The late highly-regarded newspaper columnist holds degrees in mass communications and journalism from the University of Lagos and Columbia University, New York, respectively.

    Agbese’s early professional years were spent at the New Nigerian and Nigeria Standard newspapers but his most defining professional milestone came in 1984, when he joined Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed to establish Newswatch, the groundbreaking weekly newsmagazine that became a model of investigative journalism in Nigeria. Over the years, he served the magazine in several capacities, including Managing Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and Editor-in-Chief.

    He was also an author of several acclaimed books, including 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.