By Citizenship Newspaper
Dan Agbese, co-founder of Newswatch magazine and one of the inspiring figures of modern Nigerian journalism, is dead.
The news of Agbese’s death was first communicated by his close associates on the platform of the Northern Media Forum (NMF) where the late Agbese served as chairman until his death.
Also, former colleagues of Agbese confirmed to newsmen that the veteran editor and columnist passed away on Monday morning in Lagos at the age of 81.
Agbese’s career spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media landscape. He served as editor of The Nigeria Standard and the New Nigerian newspaper and later became the general manager of Radio Benue.
Until April 2010, he was the Editor-In-Chief of Newswatch, the trailblazing weekly magazine he co-founded, which redefined investigative journalism and in-depth political reporting in the country.
A scholar of mass communication and journalism, Agbese earned degrees from the University of Lagos and Columbia University in New York. He was also a prolific author.
Among his notable books are 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.
Widely admired for his clarity of thought, disciplined prose and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, Agbese stood as a mentor and inspiration to many in the profession. His commentaries, often delivered with a mix of wit and piercing critique, shaped public discourse for decades.
Meanwhile, Malam Garba Shehu, a former Presidential spokesman and erstwhile secretary of the NMF also announced Agbese’s death to the Forum members with a note of condolence.
“Accept my heartfelt condolences following the death of our chairman, Dan Agbese. May Allah, the God Almighty grant him eternal rest.
“Dan himself saw this coming and requested that a replacement for him be found so that the forum’s activities would not stall.
“Sadly, all efforts, through informal contacts with some of our members to accept the responsibility of leading the forum were unsuccessful.”
