‘He Was A Rare Media Icon’, Garba Shehu Mourns Veteran Journalist Dan Agbese

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 on Monday 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.

Recalling Agbese’s leadership as chairman of the Northern Media Forum (NMF), Shehu said he led with firmness, fairness, and candour, providing colleagues and younger journalists with valuable opportunities to engage with him.

“Throughout this period, he remained a curious mind, always seeking to learn, with humility until his last days,” he added.

Shehu noted that Agbese’s death, following a long illness, has deprived the media community—and Nigeria at large—of a distinctive voice whose compelling columns influenced public discourse for decades.

“His demise has deprived the media community, nay the nation, of a distinct voice which rang from compelling newspaper columns, reaching so many followers over several decades,” he said.

He extended his condolences to Agbese’s family, colleagues, and numerous friends, praying for comfort during this difficult period.