…He was titan of truth—Information Minister
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke
ABUJA—PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has expressed deep grief over the passing of Dan Agbese, a veteran journalist, and co-founder of Newswatch weekly magazine.
Agbese, who was the Awan’Otun of Agila town in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, died on Monday at the age of 81 in Lagos.
President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described Agbese’s death as painful and a profound loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the country as a whole.
The President said Agbese, alongside his colleagues at Newswatch, helped pioneer a new era of investigative and interpretative journalism in Nigeria, transforming media practice and setting standards for ethical and courageous reporting.
“Dan Agbese was not just a journalist; he was an institution. His pen shaped public opinion, strengthened democratic discourse, and inspired a generation of media practitioners.
“He served Nigeria with integrity, courage, and commitment to truth and justice. His contribution to the evolution of the modern Nigerian press will be remembered forever.
“I join his family, particularly his wife, children, and the entire media community, in mourning. May his legacy continue to guide the noble calling of journalism in our nation,” the President added.
He was “titan of truth—Information Minister
Meanwhile, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has paid glowing tribute to late Dan Agbese, describing him as a “titan of truth” whose life’s work helped shape modern Nigerian journalism.
In a statement, yesterday, Idris said he received the news of Agbese’s passing with deep sadness, noting that the late media icon was a “foundational pillar of Nigeria’s contemporary journalism” and a relentless defender of press freedom.
The minister said Agbese’s pioneering contributions,particularly through the establishment of Newswatch, which he called a “defining institution in our national life,” laid the groundwork for enlightened public discourse and strengthened democratic accountability across the country.
“Agbese championed the values of courage, intellectual integrity, and an unwavering commitment to press freedom, the very cornerstones of a vibrant democracy,” Idris said.
He added that through his famous No Holds Barred column and a lifetime devoted to public service, Agbese consistently held power to account and remained steadfast in the pursuit of nation-building.
Idris noted that Agbese’s death comes at a time when the Tinubu administration was working to expand democratic space, enhance citizen participation, and safeguard free speech,principles the late journalist spent his life defending.“I mourn him not only with grief but with deep gratitude for a legacy that has indelibly shaped our nation’s discourse,” the minister stated.
He extended his condolences to Agbese’s family, colleagues, and the entire Nigerian media community, describing the deceased as “a giant whose profound contributions will continue to illuminate the path forward for Nigeria.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Idris added.
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