The late Dan Agbese.
By Mark Longyen
Dan Agbese, a veteran Nigerian journalist and co-founder of Nigeria’s defunct legendary weekly magazine, Newswatch, has died at the age of 81, a statement issued by his family on Monday said.
Newswatch was a pacesetting model of investigative journalism in Nigeria renowned for its groundbreaking news stories, especially during the suffocating era of brutal military dictatorship in the country.
Agbese served the magazine in several capacities, including Managing Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and Editor-in-Chief.
According to the family statement, the late Agbese, who hailed from the Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district of Ado Local Government Area of Benue, died on Monday.
“We hereby announce the passing away of our husband , father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.
“Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday November 17, 2025. He was aged 81.
“Burial arrangements would be announced by the family in due course,” the statement said.
It further said that the deceased media icon and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and renowned for his satirical columns, was born on May 12, 1944.
“He was Editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
“Chief Agbese was one of the founders of the trail-blazing Newswatch magazine and was until April 2010 its Editor-in-Chief.
“He is survived by his wife , Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren,” the statement said.
Agbese bagged a Bachelor’s in Mass Communications from the University of Lagos, a Master’s in journalism from Columbia University, New York, and underwent further professional journalism training at the Thomson Foundation in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Prior his passing, the late Agbese wrote several books and maintained weekly columns in notable newspapers like the Daily Trust and The Guardian.
He also engaged in media consultancy with his friends and colleagues, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.
