Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Chief Dan Agbese, describing him as an institution whose pen shaped public opinion, strengthened democratic discourse, and inspired generations of media professionals.
In a heartfelt condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President said Agbese’s death, which occurred on Monday at the age of 81, is a painful and profound loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation at large.
President Tinubu extolled the late journalist’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s media landscape, noting that Agbese and his colleagues at the trailblazing Newswatch magazine pioneered a new era of investigative and interpretative journalism.
He said their work transformed the media practice and established enduring standards for ethical, bold, and patriotic reporting.
“Dan Agbese was not just a journalist; he was an institution. He served Nigeria with integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice,” the President said, adding that Agbese’s role in shaping the modern Nigerian press “will be remembered forever.”
The President extended his condolences to Agbese’s wife, children, and the wider media community, praying that his legacy continues to guide journalism as a noble calling in Nigeria.
Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, died in Lagos State.