Newswatch Co-founder and one of the pioneers of Journalism in Nigeria Dan Agbese has died at the age of 81. The news of Dan Agbese’s death has left a significant impact on the journalism community.
A statement from his family announcing his death read in part “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.”
He is survived by his wife, Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren, who continue to uphold the rich legacy of a man whose pen left an indelible mark on Nigerian journalism.
Journalism Trailblazer
Chief Dan Agbese (born May 12, 1944, in Agila, Benue State, Nigeria) was a distinguished journalist, author, media administrator, and one of the most influential voices in the evolution of modern Nigerian journalism.
Agbese carved a niche as both a fearless commentator and a defender of journalistic integrity. His career spanned decades of remarkable contributions, beginning with his leadership roles as Editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and later as the General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
He co-founded Newswatch magazine, Nigeria’s groundbreaking investigative news weekly, alongside Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed, and Dele Giwa. As Newswatch evolved into one of the country’s most authoritative journalistic institutions, Agbese served in various editorial capacities and ultimately became its Editor-in-Chief, a position he held until April 2010.
Beyond the newsroom, Agbese authored several books that reflected his insights into governance, leadership, and the media, after leaving his position at Newswatch, He continued to shape national discourse through his widely read weekly columns in leading newspapers such as Daily Trust and The Guardian, where he deployed satire, analysis, and historical reflections to interrogate Nigeria’s political and social evolution.
In his later years, Dan Agbese co-ran a media consultancy with his longtime professional associates Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed, and Soji Akinrinade through which he mentored younger journalists and provided advisory services to public and private institutions.