The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the death of veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Chief Dan Agbese, as a major blow to Nigeria’s media community and the country’s democratic development.
Akpabio hails Agbese’s legacy in Nigerian journalism
Akpabio made the remarks in a condolence message issued on Tuesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, following confirmation by the Agbese family that the celebrated columnist and editor passed away at 81 in Benue State.
“I deeply mourn the loss of Chief Dan Agbese, a distinguished journalist who devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, accountability, and press freedom. His writings shaped national conscience, challenged power, and illuminated the path of democracy. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of journalists yet unborn,” Akpabio said.
He described Agbese as “a monumental loss to Nigeria’s journalism family and to all who value truth, integrity, and courageous storytelling.”
According to Akpabio, the former Editor of The New Nigerian and The Nigeria Standard belonged to a generation of journalists who set professional standards that shaped media practice for decades.
He also extended his condolences to the Agbese family, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Agbese’s career and personal life remembered
Agbese was one of Nigeria’s most influential editors and a founding partner of Newswatch magazine, established in 1984 alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed.
The magazine became a watershed in investigative journalism, setting new benchmarks for accountability reporting. Until April 2010, he served as Editor-in-Chief, after earlier stints as Managing Editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief.
In addition to his editorial work, Agbese wrote widely read opinion columns in Daily Trust and The Guardian and co-ran a media consultancy with Ekpu, Mohammed, and Soji Akinrinade.
He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children, and seven grandchildren.
Akpabio’s tribute underscored Agbese’s role in promoting press freedom and responsible journalism in Nigeria, highlighting the enduring influence of his career on current and future generations of journalists.
