Dan Agbese tribute from Senate President Akpabio mourns the iconic editor whose powerful journalism shaped Nigeria’s media and democratic history
In reported speech, the Senate President said that the Dan Agbese tribute was a difficult moment for Nigeria’s media community, as the passing of the veteran journalist represents a profound loss to the country’s democratic development.
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Godswill Akpabio issued his condolences on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, after the Agbese family confirmed that the distinguished columnist died at 81 in Benue State.
Akpabio described Chief Dan Agbese as a monumental figure whose integrity, clarity of thought and courageous storytelling elevated journalism to a higher moral calling.
He noted that Agbese belonged to a generation of editors whose professional standards shaped media practice for decades and left an extraordinary legacy for younger practitioners.
In the powerful Dan Agbese tribute, Akpabio said the late Newswatch co-founder devoted his life to pursuing truth, accountability and press freedom.
According to the Senate President, Agbese’s writings shaped national consciousness, challenged authority and illuminated Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He added that the journalist’s influence will continue to inspire reporters and editors for generations.
Akpabio also extended sympathies to the Agbese family, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, stressing that Agbese’s death is felt deeply across newsrooms and institutions committed to free expression.
Agbese was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential editors. He co-founded Newswatch magazine in 1984 alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Yakubu Mohammed, helping to establish a groundbreaking model of investigative journalism.
The publication became a defining force for accountability reportage and set new standards in public interest storytelling.
Until April 2010, he served as Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch after earlier roles as Managing Editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief.
Beyond the magazine, he wrote widely read opinion columns in Daily Trust and The Guardian and later co-ran a media consultancy with Ekpu, Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade.
The Dan Agbese tribute closes a chapter on a deeply respected journalist whose voice influenced governance, public debate and professional ethics.
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He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children and seven grandchildren.
