Tinubu, Idris Mourn Newswatch Co-Founder, Agbese

President Bola Tinubu and the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, have expressed deep grief over the passing of Chief Dan Agbese, a veteran journalist, prose stylist, author, and co-founder of the trailblazing Newswatch weekly magazine.

Agbese, who was the Awan’Otun of Agila town in Ado LGA of Benue State, died on Monday at the age of 81 in Lagos.

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Agbese’s death as painful and a profound loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the country as a whole.
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.

“He served Nigeria with integrity, courage, and commitment to truth and justice. His contribution to the evolution of the modern Nigerian press will be remembered forever.

“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 added.

The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also expressed profound sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist, author, and Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, describing him as “a titan of truth” whose life’s work helped shape modern Nigerian journalism.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Idris said Agbese was “a foundational pillar of Nigeria’s contemporary journalism and a tireless advocate for a free press,” noting that his death represents a significant loss to the nation’s intellectual and democratic landscape.

“Agbese was a titan of truth whose legacy formed the foundation of enlightened public discourse by co-founding the trailblazing Newswatch magazine, which became a defining institution in our national life,” Idris stated.

The minister praised Agbese’s courage, intellectual integrity, and unwavering commitment to press freedom—values he said are essential to sustaining a vibrant democracy.

“Through his incisive ‘No Holds Barred’ column and a lifetime of work, he held power to account and dedicated himself to the project of nation-building,” he added.

Idris said Agbese’s death comes at a time when the Tinubu administration is working to strengthen the very principles the late media icon embodied—expanded democratic space, citizen engagement, and freedom of expression.

“I therefore mourn him not only with grief, but with deep gratitude for a legacy that has indelibly shaped our nation’s discourse,” he said.

He extended heartfelt condolences to Agbese’s family, colleagues, and the entire media fraternity.

“Dan Agbese was a giant, and his profound contributions will continue to illuminate the path forward for Nigeria. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Idris said.