PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VETERAN JOURNALIST AND NEWSWATCH CO-FOUNDER, DAN AGBESE

Abuja, Nigeria — November 19, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Dan Agbese, renowned journalist, author, prose stylist, and co-founder of the iconic Newswatch weekly magazine.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, it was confirmed that Chief Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila town in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, died on Monday in Lagos at the age of 81.

President Tinubu described Agbese’s death as painful and a profound loss not only to the Nigerian media landscape but to the nation as a whole. He noted that Agbese’s pioneering work alongside his colleagues at Newswatch ushered in a transformative era in investigative and interpretative journalism.

According to the statement, the President said:
“Agbese, alongside his colleagues at Newswatch, helped pioneer a new era of investigative and interpretative journalism in Nigeria, transforming media practice and setting standards for ethical and courageous reporting. 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.”
President Tinubu further commended the late media icon for his integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice throughout his professional life. He added that Agbese’s contributions to the evolution of modern Nigerian journalism would remain indelible.

“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 President said.

Chief Dan Agbese leaves behind a towering legacy in Nigerian journalism, celebrated for his clarity of thought, ethical depth, and boldness in holding power to account.