Popular Nigerian Journalist Dan Agbese Is Dead at 81

Nigeria’s media landscape has lost one of its most respected voices as veteran journalist and NewsWatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, has passed away at the age of 81.

According to a report published by a news platform owned by Shola Oshunkeye, family sources confirmed that Agbese died on Monday morning in Lagos.

A Giant in Nigerian Journalism

Dan Agbese was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest journalists. He co-founded NewsWatch magazine, a publication that reshaped investigative journalism and political reporting in the country.

Before co-founding NewsWatch, Agbese served as:

Editor, The Nigeria Standard

Editor, New Nigerian

General Manager, Radio Benue

He later became Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch, a position he held until April 2010.

A Scholar and Prolific Author

Agbese was highly educated, holding:

A degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos

A degree in Journalism from Columbia University, New York

He also authored several influential books, including:

Nigeria Their Nigeria

Fellow Nigerians

The Reporter’s Companion

Style: A Guide to Good Writing

The Columnist’s Companion: The Art and Craft of Column Writing

His works remain essential reading for journalism students, media professionals, and lovers of Nigerian literature.

A Legacy That Lives On

Dan Agbese leaves behind an outstanding legacy marked by professional excellence, bold journalism, and a lifelong dedication to storytelling. His contributions to Nigerian media will be remembered for generations.

May his soul rest in peace.