Dan Agbese: Akpabio, Shehu, LNC pay glowing tributes as media icon passes on at 81

*Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several other notable Nigerians mourn late Chief Dan Agbese, a media professional and Co-founder of Newswatch, who died at age 81 for devoting his life to pursuit of truth, accountability, and press freedom, consoling the deceased’s family, Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigerian Guild of Editors

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio, GCON, Malam Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, the League of Nigerian Columnists, and several other notable Nigerians mourn the passage of late Chief Dan Agbese, a Nigerian media professional, Co-founder of Newswatch Magazine and leading light of modern journalism, who died at age 81.

Senator Akpabio described the passing of veteran journalist Chief Agbese as “a monumental loss to Nigeria’s journalism family, and to all who value truth, integrity, and courageous storytelling.”

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In a heartfelt condolence message, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, mnipr, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, noted Akpabio expressed profound sorrow over the departure of “a media icon whose pen never wavered in defence of the public interest.”

The Senate President stated that Chief Agbese belonged to a generation of journalists whose works defined an era, and set the standard for ethical, fearless, and professional journalism in Nigeria.

He also said: “On behalf of the National Assembly, my family, and the good people I represent, I deeply mourn the loss of Chief Dan Agbese — a distinguished journalist who devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, accountability, and press freedom.

Senator Akpabio further stated that the deceased’s writings shaped national conscience, challenged power, and illuminated the path of democracy in the country.

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“His legacy will continue to inspire generations of journalists yet unborn,” Akpabio stated.

Senator Akpabio equally extended his deepest condolences to the Agbese family, his friends, and the entire media community.

According to him, the void created by Agbese’s passing would be felt across newsrooms and editorial boards nationwide.

He, therefore, also commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

The Senate President as well described this moment as one of “a shared grief for all who believe in the critical role of journalism in nation-building.”

Akpabio added: “May the gentle soul of this titan of the written word rest in perfect peace.

“God grants the family, and the nation’s media community the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Shehu: Nigerian media has lost one of its brightest professionals

In his tribute to late media guru Agbese, Malam Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, said the Nigerian media has, indeed, lost one of its brightest names ever.

Shehu remarked: “Nigerian media has lost one of its brightest names with the death of Newswatch Co-founder Dan Agbese and former Editor of the New Nigerian Newspapers.

“His reporting, commentary, and editorial leadership drew widespread interest and admiration because he possessed a deep understanding of both local and international issues, coupled with an enviable knack of humour and incisive commentary. He was insightful and humble.

“As Chairman of the Northern Media Forum, NMF, he led with firmness, fairness, and candour, giving us a rare opportunity to interact periodically with him.

“Throughout this period, he remained a curious mind, always seeking to learn, with humility until his last days.

“His demise after a long illness has deprived the media community, nay the nation of a distinct voice which rang from compelling newspaper columns, reaching so many followers over several decades.

 

 

We mourn profoundly passing of Agbese, an exceptional journalist and insightful columnist −League of Nigerian Columnists

Prof. Anthony Kila, Secretary-General of the League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC), in a statement, said: “We mourn profoundly the passing of Mr. Agbese, an exceptional journalist, insightful columnist, and one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in the public sphere.

“His departure signifies the end of an era characterised by integrity, clarity of thought, and professional bravery, which epitomised the highest standards of journalism in our nation.”

Kila also stated: “Dan Agbese was more than a reporter or editor; he was a steward of public trust.

“As co-founder of Newswatch and one of Nigeria’s most influential columnists, he helped shape the national conversation with exceptional wisdom, calm authority, and unwavering dedication to truth.

“His analytical depth, elegant prose, and disciplined judgment set standards that generations of writers and commentators continue to aspire to.”

The Secretary-General of LNC noted: “Within the Nigerian community of columnists, Dan Agbese stood as a beacon of excellence.

“He wrote without malice, debated without rancour, and held those in power to account without theatrics.

“He showed that courage need not be loud, that conviction need not be abrasive, and that commentary, when rooted in knowledge and integrity, can illuminate society and bolster democracy.”

Kila further wrote: “For the League of Nigerian Columnists, he was not only a towering figure but also a moral compass. He was awarded the highest honour for a columnist in Nigeria, the LNC Fellowship, in 2021.

“His legacy teaches us the enduring value of responsible writing, intellectual honesty, and a commitment to serving the public good.

“At a time when public discourse is increasingly polarised and sensationalised, his example reminds us of the dignity that should accompany the written word.”

The League said: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends, and all who admired his work.

“Nigeria has lost a thoughtful voice, journalism has lost a beacon, and we, as columnists, have lost one of our finest.

“We honour Dan Agbese for a life committed to truth, professionalism, and the pursuit of a better society. May his memory continue to inspire and guide us.”

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