President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Dan Agbese, renowned journalist, author, prose stylist, and co-founder of the pioneering Newswatch magazine.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Agbese who held the traditional title of Awan’Otun of Agila in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State passed away on Monday in Lagos at the age of 81.
President Tinubu described the passing of Agbese as a painful and profound loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation at large. He noted that Agbese, alongside his colleagues at Newswatch, ushered in a new era of investigative and interpretative journalism in Nigeria, setting high standards for ethical, courageous, and impactful reporting.
“Dan Agbese was not just a journalist; he was an institution,” the statement read. “His pen shaped public opinion, strengthened democratic discourse, and inspired a generation of media practitioners.”
The President commended Agbese for serving the country with integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. He added that the late media icon would be remembered for his monumental contributions to the development of the modern Nigerian press.
“I join his family especially his wife and children and the entire media community in mourning. May his legacy continue to guide the noble calling of journalism in our nation,” Tinubu said.
