Columnists, David Mark, Garba Shehu mourn Dan Agbese, titan of journalism, a voice of reason

The Nigerian media landscape is in mourning following the death of Dan Agbese, a revered journalist, co-founder of Newswatch magazine, and former editor of the New Nigerian newspaper. Agbese, widely celebrated for his integrity, intellectual courage, and profound influence on public discourse, passed away after a long illness.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues, professional bodies, and public figures, all highlighting his monumental legacy.

The League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) described his passing as “the end of an era.” Prof. Anthony Kila, Secretary General of the LNC, stated,

“The legacy of Dan Agbese is one that every journalist in Nigeria should aspire to. He exemplified the highest standards of journalism, demonstrating that integrity and clarity of thought must always guide our writing.”

Colleagues remembered him as a steward of public trust whose calm authority and deep analytical insight illuminated critical national issues.

“He wrote without malice and challenged those in power without theatrics,” one columnist noted. “He showed us that courage need not be loud.”

In 2021, Agbese was awarded the prestigious LNC Fellowship, the highest honour for a columnist in Nigeria.

Echoing these sentiments, former Senate President David Mark described Agbese as a “national asset” and a “pathfinder of enormous value.”

Mark said, “Editor Agbese was more than a newsroom leader. His career was distinguished by excellence, depth, fairness, and courage, earning him a revered place among Nigeria’s most respected media icons.”

He emphasized that Agbese’s death is a monumental loss at a time when truth and accountability are more vital than ever.

Garba Shehu, former presidential spokesperson, also paid tribute, describing Agbese as “one of the brightest names in Nigerian journalism.” Shehu highlighted Agbese’s rare blend of deep understanding of local and international affairs, sharp humour, and incisive analysis.

“He was insightful and humble,” Shehu stated, recalling Agbese’s leadership as Chairman of the Northern Media Forum, where he led with firmness, fairness, and candour.

As the nation reflects on his life, Agbese is remembered as a beacon for the profession. His legacy of intellectual honesty, dedication to truth, and service to the public stands as a guiding light for future generations of writers and journalists in Nigeria.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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