Chief Dan Agbese, a veteran journalist, prose stylist, author, and co-founder of the storied Newswatch weekly magazine, passed away in the presence of President Bola Tinubu.
Agbese, who was the Awan’Otun of Agila town in the Benue State ALD, reportedly passed away on Monday at the age of 81 in Lagos.
President Tinubu described Agbese’s passing as a painful and profound loss for Nigeria’s media industry and the nation as a whole in a statement released on Tuesday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanugu.
The President claimed that Agbese and his Newswatch colleagues helped to set the stage for a new era of investigative and interpretative journalism in Nigeria, changing the way the media is conducted, and establishing ethical and courageous reporting standards.
Dan Agbese was a “institution” as opposed to just a journalist. His pen influenced the perceptions of the public, bolstered democratic discourse, and gave rise to a new generation of media professionals.
He acted with integrity, courage, and steadfast devotion to the pursuit of truth and justice in his service to Nigeria. His influence on the development of the contemporary Nigerian press will endure in perpetuity.
“I’m in mourning along with his family, particularly his wife, his children, and the media community as well. May the noble calling of journalism in our country be guided by his legacy, the President continued.
A Titan of Truth,
The passing of Dan Agbese, a pillar of contemporary journalism in Nigeria and a tireless supporter of a free press, is deeply saddened by his own actions, according to Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation.
By co-founding the ground-blazing Newswatch magazine, which became a defining institution in our nation’s life, Agbese was a titan of truth whose legacy laid the groundwork for enlightened public discourse, Idris said in a statement on Tuesday.
He, in fact, fought for the principles of courage, intellectual integrity, and unwavering support for press freedom, which are the foundation of a vibrant democracy. He held power accountable and committed himself to the cause of nation-building through his sharp “No Holds Barred” column and lifetime of work.
Agbese’s passing comes at a time when the Tinubu administration is deeply committed to promoting the principles he fought for, including stronger citizen engagement and free speech.
Therefore, I mourn him with both grief and gratitude for a legacy that has profoundly altered the discourse in our country.
His family, coworkers, and the media fraternity all express my sincere condolences.
Dan Agbese was a “giant,” and his significant contributions will continue to pave the way for Nigeria. May his soul be peaceful forever.
Dan Agbese graduated from Columbia University in New York and the University of Lagos, respectively, for degrees in mass communication and journalism. He was also the former General Manager of Radio Benue and the former editor of The Nigeria Standard and The New Nigerian.
Up until April 2010, Agbese was one of the founding members of the innovative weekly news publication Newswatch in Nigeria.
Source: Channels TV
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