Veteran Journalist Dan Agbese, Newswatch Co-Founder, Dies at 81
By Erewunmi Peace
Dan Ochima Agbese, a towering figure in Nigerian journalism and one of the co-founders of Newswatch magazine, has died at the age of 81.
His family confirmed in a statement that he passed away on Monday morning in Lagos.
Agbese was born on 12 May 1944 in Agila, Ado LGA, Benue State.
He earned degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Lagos and Columbia University, New York.
Over his career, he held key editorial positions: Editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue in Makurdi.
In 1984, he joined Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed to co-found Newswatch, a weekly news magazine that became a hallmark of investigative journalism in Nigeria.
He served in many editorial roles in Newswatch, eventually becoming its Editor-in-Chief, a position he held until April 2010.
Beyond journalism, Agbese was an accomplished author. His works include Nigeria Their Nigeria, Fellow Nigerians: Turning Points in the Political History of Nigeria, The Reporter’s Companion, Style: A Guide to Good Writing, and The Columnist’s Companion.
Until his death, he continued writing weekly columns for prominent newspapers like Daily Trust and The Guardian, and ran a media consultancy with longtime colleagues Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed, and Soji Akinrinade.
The family statement described him as a “husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and mentor.”
He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children, and seven grandchildren.
The League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) mourned his death, calling him a “beacon of excellence” and a moral compass for the profession.
David Mark, former President of the Nigerian Senate, also expressed deep grief, describing Agbese as “a national asset whose pen shaped public discourse and elevated journalistic standards.”
Dan Agbese’s death marks the end of an era in Nigerian journalism. He played a central role in shaping investigative reporting and fair commentary in the country. His satirical style, analytical depth, and commitment to truth set a high bar for generations of journalists.
Burial arrangements have not yet been announced; the family says they will be shared in due course.
