Newswatch Magazine co-founder Dan Agbese dies at 81

Dan Agbese, a veteran journalist and co-founder of the renowned Newswatch magazine, has passed away in Lagos State at the age of 81, family sources confirmed on November 16.

Agbese was one of the original team behind the influential publication, alongside Dele Giwa—who was tragically killed in a parcel bomb attack in 1986—Ray Ekpu, and Mohammed.

He served as Newswatch’s Editor-in-Chief until April 2010.

A distinguished journalist and scholar, Agbese earned degrees in Mass Communications and Journalism from the University of Lagos and Columbia University, New York.

Over his career, he also held editorial positions at The Nigeria Standard in Jos, The New Nigerian in Kaduna, and served as General Manager of Radio Benue.

In addition to his editorial work, Agbese authored several acclaimed 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.

He was widely respected as a newspaper columnist and a mentor to generations of journalists.

His contributions to Nigerian journalism have left an indelible mark on the industry.