JUST IN: Newswatch magazine co-founder, Dan Agbese, is dead

Nigeria has lost one of its most respected journalists, Dan Agbese, the co-founder of Newswatch magazine.

He passed away on Monday morning, November 17, in Lagos at the age of 81, according to family sources.

Agbese was widely celebrated for his contributions to Nigerian journalism, both as a columnist and editor, and for his role in shaping investigative reporting in the country.

Agbese, celebrated for his sharp prose and decades-long contribution to journalism, was a central figure in shaping modern investigative reporting and commentary in Nigeria.

A statement issued by the Agbese family of Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State said, “We hereby announce the passing away of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.”

“Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday, November 17, 2025. He was aged 81.

“Burial arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.

“Born May 12, 1944, in Agila, Chief Agbese was a renowned journalist and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and renowned for his satirical columns.

He was editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.

“Chief Agbese was one of the founders of the trail-blazing Newswatch magazine and was, until April 2010, its Editor-in-Chief.

“Before his passing, he wrote several books and maintained weekly columns in notable newspapers, including the Daily Trust and The Guardian, while running a media consultancy with his friends and colleagues, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.

“He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren.”

Agbese, a former editor of The Nigeria Standard, the New Nigerian, as well as former general manager of Radio Benue, was, until April 2010, the Editor-in-Chief of the Newswatch magazine.

The late highly-regarded newspaper columnist holds degrees in mass communications and journalism from the University of Lagos and Columbia University, New York, respectively.

Agbese’s early professional years were spent at the New Nigerian and Nigeria Standard newspapers but his most defining professional milestone came in 1984, when he joined Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed to establish Newswatch, the groundbreaking weekly newsmagazine that became a model of investigative journalism in Nigeria. Over the years, he served the magazine in several capacities, including Managing Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and Editor-in-Chief.

He was also an author of several acclaimed books, including Nigeria Their Nigeria, Fellow Nigerians, The Reporter’s Companion, Style: A Guide to Good Writing and The Columnist’s Companion: The Art and Craft of Column Writing.

(Nation)