Veteran Nigerian Journalist Dan Agbese Dies at 81

Makurdi, Nigeria — Chief Dan Agbese, a leading figure in Nigerian journalism, died on Monday, November 17, 2025. He was 81.

The Agbese family of Ikpilogwu clan, Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, confirmed his death in a statement released the same day.

Agbese’s career spanned over five decades. He served as editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian. He later became General Manager of Radio Benue in Makurdi.

In 1984, he co-founded Newswatch magazine with Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed. The publication became a benchmark for investigative journalism in Nigeria. Agbese held multiple leadership roles at Newswatch, including Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief, until April 2010.

He authored several 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. These works remain widely used by journalism students and practitioners.

Until his death, Agbese wrote weekly columns for Daily Trust and The Guardian. He also operated a media consultancy alongside Ekpu, Mohammed, and Soji Akinrinade, advising news organizations and mentoring emerging journalists.

Agbese is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children, and seven grandchildren.

The family said funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

Tinubu mourns Newswatch co-founder Agbese

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and co-founder of the pioneering Newswatch magazine, Dan Agbese. In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Agbese’s passing as “painful” and a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry.

The President said Agbese played a defining role in shaping modern journalism in the country, adding that his contribution will be remembered forever. 

He noted that Agbese and his colleagues at Newswatch ushered in a new era of investigative and interpretative reporting that elevated professional standards and strengthened public accountability.

“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 statement added.

Senate President Mourns Dan Agbese as “Monumental Loss” to Nigerian Journalism

In the same vein, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described Agbese’s death as a major blow to the nation’s media community and the country’s democratic development.

The Senate President stated this in a condolence message on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh. Akpabio described Agbese’s demise as “a monumental loss to Nigeria’s journalism family and to all who value truth, integrity, and courageous storytelling.”

According to him, 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.

“The statement partly read, “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 also extended condolences to the Agbese family, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Tribute From Probitas Report

On behalf of the Publisher and Editorial Board of Probitas Report, we mourn the passing of Chief Dan Agbese, a towering figure in Nigerian journalism whose integrity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to truth set a standard for generations.

Agbese’s fearless reporting, incisive commentary, and dedication to ethical practice shaped not only the newsrooms he led but the very conscience of the profession. His work at Newswatch, his columns, and his books remain essential guides for anyone serious about journalism in Nigeria.

Key points from Agbese’s legacy as highlighted by Kreeno Consortium:

• He valued factual, rigorous reporting above sensationalism.
• He promoted public accountability through investigative journalism.
• He held a firm belief in the power of reasoned public debate.
• He mentored younger journalists, helping to build a culture of professionalism.
• He defended press freedom and ethical standards until his final days.

We honor his legacy by reaffirming our own commitment to the principles he lived by: accuracy, accountability, and the public’s right to know the truth.

Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, his children, grandchildren, and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace.

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