President Bola Tinubu has described the death of renowned journalist and Newswatch co-founder Dan Agbese as a major blow to Nigeria’s media community.
Agbese, an influential editor and author, passed away in Lagos on Monday at the age of 81, ending a long career marked by bold commentary and strong advocacy for public-interest journalism.
According to the President, Agbese’s contributions set high standards for press professionalism and public accountability.
The President praised the late media icon as a courageous journalist who consistently upheld truth and fairness.
“Dan Agbese was more than a journalist; he embodied integrity and used his pen to strengthen democratic engagement in our nation,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He noted that Agbese’s pioneering work with his colleagues at Newswatch opened a new chapter in investigative reporting and interpretative journalism in Nigeria.
Tinubu added that the values Agbese represented should continue to guide the industry, especially at a time when credible information is critical to national stability.
Extending condolences to Agbese’s family, friends and professional associates, Tinubu urged journalists across the country to uphold the ideals the veteran championed throughout his life. He said the late editor’s legacy would continue to serve as a benchmark for ethical and responsible media practice.
Agbese, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential media figures, played a defining role in shaping the country’s journalism landscape for decades.
His career featured mentorship, incisive editorial work and an unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions through the press.