By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
RENOWENED JOURNALIST and media pioneer Dan Agbese has died at the age of 81, the family confirmed on Monday.
A statement issued by Okibe Agbese on behalf of the family said the veteran columnist passed away earlier in the day.
“Chief Dan Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday, November 17, 2025,” the release read.
Burial arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
Born on May 12, 1944, in Agila, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Agbese emerged as one of Nigeria’s most influential media figures, widely recognised for his incisive columns and enduring contributions to journalism.
His career spanned decades, encompassing roles as editor, media consultant, author, and mentor, shaping generations of Nigerian journalists.
Agbese began his professional journey with The New Nigerian and The Nigeria Standard newspapers, where he honed his reporting and editorial skills.
He later served as editor of both publications and became general manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi, consolidating a reputation for professionalism and journalistic integrity.
In 1984, Agbese co-founded Newswatch magazine alongside Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed and the late Dele Giwa.
The weekly newsmagazine became a benchmark for investigative journalism in Nigeria, blending rigorous reporting with analytical depth.
Agbese held multiple leadership positions within the publication, including Managing Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and ultimately Editor-in-Chief until April 2010.
His stewardship at Newswatch helped establish modern journalistic standards, influencing media practice across the country.
Throughout his career, Agbese remained a prolific writer.
He authored several influential 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.
His works are regarded as essential reading for media practitioners and aspiring journalists, reflecting his commitment to the craft and intellectual rigour.
Even in his later years, Agbese maintained an active presence in journalism, contributing weekly columns to Daily Trust and The Guardian. He also co-managed a media consultancy with Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed, and Soji Akinrinade, mentoring young journalists and advising organisations on professional media practice.
Agbese is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren. His passing marks the end of a life dedicated to media excellence, ethical reporting, and mentorship, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence Nigerian journalism.
Fellow Columnists Mourn
Promptly, the League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) expressed profound sorrow at Agbese’s death, describing it as “the end of an era defined by courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to truth.”
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Prof. Anthony Kila, the LNC paid tribute to Agbese as a co-founder of Newswatch and one of Nigeria’s most influential columnists.
“Dan Agbese was more than a reporter or editor; he was a steward of public trust,” the statement said. “His analytical depth, elegant prose, and disciplined judgment set standards that generations of writers and commentators continue to aspire to.”
Agbese was widely recognised for his calm, principled approach to journalism.
The LNC described him as a “beacon of excellence” among columnists, noting that he wrote without malice, debated without rancour, and held power to account with measured authority.
His style elevated commentary into a tool for enlightenment and democratic strengthening, illustrating that courage “need not be loud” and conviction “need not be abrasive.”
In 2021, Agbese was awarded the LNC Fellowship, the highest honour granted to a Nigerian columnist. The League highlighted his dual legacy as both a professional figure and a moral compass for writers and commentators.
“At a time when public discourse is increasingly polarised and sensationalised, his example reminds us of the dignity that should accompany the written word,” the LNC said.
Tributes Pour In
Also, tributes from the family and colleagues emphasised Agbese’s dedication to the development of Nigerian journalism.
His mentorship shaped young reporters, editors, and columnists, ensuring the continuation of high standards within the media industry.
His work through Newswatch, books, columns, and consultancy created a lasting impact on media practice, blending critical thought with ethical responsibility.
Agbese’s intellectual contributions is noted to have extended beyond journalism into public discourse.
Also, his writings are noted to have consistently engaged with national issues, offering analysis grounded in facts, insight, and historical perspective.
He remained a respected voice on matters of governance, policy, and national development, reinforcing the role of the press as a cornerstone of democracy.
Family members also described him as not only a public figure but also a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and mentor.
