NGE mourns Newswatch co-founders Yakubu Mohammed, Dan Agbese

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two veteran journalists and co-founders of Newswatch magazine, Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese, describing them as irreplaceable icons of Nigerian journalism.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the guild said the passing of Mohammed and Agbese marked a huge loss to the media industry and the nation at large.

The NGE noted that both men, who were among the three surviving co-founders of Newswatch, were respected voices in the Nigerian media landscape, renowned for their incisive commentaries, professionalism and unwavering commitment to press freedom and democratic values.

According to the guild, Mohammed and Agbese were fearless journalists whose works brought prestige to the profession, gave impetus to investigative journalism in Nigeria and contributed immensely to nation-building.

“As seasoned journalists and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, their commitment inspired many and helped shape the practice of journalism in the country,” the statement said.

As a mark of respect, the NGE urged journalists across the country to set aside a day to rededicate themselves to the core principles of the profession, including truth, accuracy, fairness, objectivity, independence, integrity, ethical standards, transparency and accountability.