Northern Media Forum Mourns Veteran Journalist Dan Agbese

The Northern Media Forum (NMF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist, celebrated columnist, and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Dan Agbese, describing him as a “voice of courage, style, satire and elegance” whose death leaves a profound void in Nigeria’s media landscape.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja by the Forum’s Assistant Secretary, Zainab Suleiman Okino, the group said the news of Agbese’s death “shocked and reverberated across newsrooms,” noting that the country has lost not only an accomplished media icon but also “a guardian of the profession’s soul.”

Agbese, who built an illustrious career across Nigeria Standard, New Nigerian, and later as one of the founding editors of Newswatch, was celebrated for his mastery of language, fearless commentary, and unwavering commitment to truth.

“From the moment he first set foot in a newsroom, Dan Agbese understood that journalism was not merely a profession but a calling — a moral covenant to inform, educate, and empower,” the statement read.

Renowned for his sharp wit and incisive writing, Agbese’s work illuminated critical issues and held power to account during some of Nigeria’s most defining moments. His contributions helped shape public discourse for decades, inspiring generations of journalists who admired his integrity, craftsmanship, and boldness.

The Forum noted that, beyond his celebrated career, Agbese’s most enduring legacy may be his leadership of the Northern Media Forum, which he chaired until his passing.

Under his stewardship, the NMF evolved into a strong voice for responsible journalism and a platform for strategic engagement in the North.

“He believed deeply that a thriving media group in the North should not only guide leadership but also set an agenda for national cohesion and discourse,” the statement added. “He worked tirelessly to build the Forum into a beacon of courage and purpose.”

His passing, the group said, will be felt across the industry and among the many journalists he mentored, the communities he served, and the friends who cherished him.

“In his passing, the North has lost a passionate advocate, Nigerian media has lost an icon of style and substance, and all who knew him have lost a gentle soul who taught us the power of words written with depth, humility, and conviction.”

The Forum assured that Agbese’s vision will continue to guide its mission, and that his legacy will live on through the many lives he influenced and the institutions he helped build.

“May your soul rest in peace, Mr Dan Agbese. Your words will echo forever,” the statement concluded.