Nigeria’s media landscape was thrown into deep mourning on Monday following the death of one of its most distinguished journalists, columnists and media innovators, Dan Ochima Agbese, at the age of 81.
In a statement issued by the family, Okibe Agbese, on behalf of the family, announced that the celebrated writer and co-founder of Newswatch magazine passed away earlier on Monday.
The family said details of his burial arrangements would be communicated in due course.
Born on May 12, 1944, in Agila, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Dan Agbese rose to become one of Nigeria’s most influential voices in journalism, widely admired for his sharp satire, disciplined prose style and intellectual depth.
He began his education at the Native Authority School, Otobi (1957–1959), proceeded to the Government Teachers Training College, Keffi (1960–1962), and later studied Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Lagos (1970–1973). He further trained at the Thomson Foundation, Cardiff, UK (1976), and earned a Master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University, New York (1976–1977).
Agbese’s career spanned teaching, reporting, editing, and media administration. He joined the New Nigerian newspapers in 1967 as a staff writer and went on to serve as chief sub-editor and assistant editor at The Nigerian Standard. In 1980, he was appointed General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi, before becoming Special Adviser and Director of Information in Benue State (1980–1982) and later editor of the New Nigerian (1982–1984).
Co-Founder, Newswatch
In 1984, Agbese teamed up with Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Muhammed to co-found Newswatch, the groundbreaking investigative news magazine that reshaped investigative and interpretative journalism in Nigeria.
He served in various capacities, including managing editor, deputy editor-in-chief, and deputy chief executive (1986–1994), and later as editor-in-chief (1994–2010). He was appointed Managing Director of Newswatch Books Limited in 2010 and formally exited Newswatch Communications in 2011.
Until his passing, Agbese maintained widely respected weekly columns in Daily Trust and The Guardian, while also co-running May Five Media, a media consultancy firm, with Ekpu, Muhammed, and Soji Akinrinade.
Dan Agbese is survived by his wife, Rose; six children; and seven grandchildren.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigerian journalism. Still, his influence—through his writings, his students, and the institutions he built—will continue to shape the profession for decades to come.
Master of Style and Commentary
Regarded as a master stylist, Agbese was celebrated for his economy of words, clarity of expression, and deep analytical insight. His commentaries were often witty, incisive and intellectually engaging.
A recipient of the prestigious Pitman Prize of Columbia University, Agbese authored several influential works, including: Nigeria: Their Nigeria, Fellow Nigerians, Style: A Guide to Good Writing, The Reporter’s Companion, The Columnist’s Companion Babangida: Military, Politics and Power in Nigeria, Newswatch Stylebook, The Energy Crises in Nigeria, In the Service of My Country.
Despite his towering profile, he remained remarkably modest. When informed he would receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, he responded in just nine words: “I feel honoured. I accept with gratitude. Thank you.”
Dan Agbese’s Death Marks the End of an Era in Journalism- David Mark
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President, Senator David Mark, expressed deep grief over the death of eminent editor and media icon, Dan Agbese, describing it as a personal loss.
In a statement released on Monday by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark 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.”
Senator Mark noted that Agbese’s death is a monumental loss not only to journalism but also to the nation as a whole.
“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.
His demise has deprived the nation of a distinct voice – Garba Shehu
Former Presidential Media Aide, Garba Shehu, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, describing his death as a major loss to the Nigerian media landscape.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Shehu said the nation has lost “one of its brightest names,” noting that Agbese’s contributions to journalism—as a columnist, editor, and media leader—left an enduring impact on generations of readers and practitioners.
He praised Agbese’s remarkable career, highlighting his sharp intellect, deep understanding of local and international affairs, and a unique ability to blend humour with incisive commentary.
“His reporting, commentary, and editorial leadership drew widespread admiration because he possessed a deep understanding of both local and international issues, coupled with an enviable knack for humour and penetrating analysis. He was insightful and humble,” Shehu stated.
He was an exceptional editor and leader, says former colleague at Newswatch Babarinsa
Mourning his demise, one of his colleagues at Newswatch, veteran journalist, former Executive Director of TELL Magazine, Editor-in-Chief of the Westerner and current chairman, managing director of Gaskiya Media Limited, Dare Babarinsa, told LEADERSHIP, ‘’I was an employee of late Mr Dan Agbese; he and his colleagues employed me as staff of Newswatch magazine.
“I worked with him from 1985 until 1990, when I resigned from Newswatch. He was a truly exceptional editor and leader. He was very emphatic in dealing with younger people.
“We had a lot to learn from him as a stylist and journalist; he was a kind of perfectionist. That was an era when senior journalists could be called intellectuals. He was an intellectual giant.
“When with Newswatch, he gave us the Newswatch book of style, which, when you read it, you really know how to write a good story.
“Everybody must go; what is important is that he has left a good land path. His body of works, what he has written, he was a former editor of New Nigerian, his body of works speaks volumes to future generation of journalists, who will see that, when you are exact, when you know what to write about, when you write a fact, not just emotion, when you do things rightly then journalism would be a glorious profession as it has been for Mr Agbese my boss.’’
Dan Agbese Was A Beacon Of Integrity And Journalism Excellence-LNC
The League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) mourned the passing of Mr Dan Agbese, an exceptional journalist, insightful columnist, and one of Nigeria’s most respected public voices.
The league, in a statement signed by the Secretary General of the League of Nigerian Columnists, Prof. Anthony Kila, noted that,’’ His departure marks the end of an era defined by integrity, clarity of thought, and professional courage, qualities that 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 national discourse with uncommon 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 Nigeria’s community of columnists, Dan Agbese stood as a beacon of excellence. He wrote without malice, debated without rancour, and held those in power accountable without theatrics. He demonstrated that courage need not be loud, that conviction need not be abrasive, and that commentary—when grounded in knowledge and integrity—can illuminate society and strengthen democracy.
“To the League of Nigerian Columnists, he was not only a towering figure but also a moral compass. In 2021, he received the highest honour for a columnist in Nigeria—the LNC Fellowship.
“His legacy teaches the enduring value of responsible writing, intellectual honesty, and a steadfast commitment to the public good. At a time when public discourse is increasingly polarised and sensationalised, his life reminds us of the dignity that should accompany the written word.
