A legendary icon passes on at the age of 81. Recognising His Leadership, Public Service, and Lasting Contribution to Nigerian Journalism for over Five Decades.
Prof. Prisca Ndu of INDECO Group and Kreeno Consortium mourns the passing on to glory of Chief Dan Agbese, who died at age 81 on Monday, November 17, 2025, leaving behind a profound void in Nigeria’s investigative journalism and media space, especially among those who value truth, clarity, and responsible journalism. We commiserate with his family, as his exit from this world has left a huge void in the lives of those he touched, especially his immediate family and community, where his impact was greatly felt, and we thank Almighty God for the meritorious life he lived.
Dr Agbese was a true epitome of professionalism, humility and virtue; a symbol of grace and tenacity, an iroko indeed and a pillar of support to the many lives he touched and transformed. He fought a bold fight of faith and lived an exemplary life, choosing to leave on his own terms, having taken time to take care of his affairs and to ensure that all his children were doing great; you succumbed to the call to glory on that fateful Monday in November. We appreciate him for his selfless nature, giving his time, love and support to those he could, asking nothing in return, serving without waiting to be recognised or celebrated for his good deeds to humanity. His legend lives on in the lives of all the many persons he mentored and inspired to greatness throughout his gloriously enviable career in journalism.
Born on May 12, 1944, in Agila, Benue State, Agbese’s journey in journalism spanned over five decades and touched multiple mediums. He earned his mass-communication credentials from the University of Lagos and later obtained a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. His early career saw him lead respected institutions: he served as editor of The Nigeria Standard, editor at the New Nigerian newspaper, and general manager of Radio Benue in Makurdi. But he is perhaps best known and remembered for his role as one of the founding editors of Newswatch Magazine, which launched in 1985 and became a bold, investigative weekly magazine, where he served as its managing editor and editor-in-chief until April 2010. Over the years, he remained a steady voice in Nigerian public life through his weekly columns in The Guardian and Daily Trust. He also partnered with Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed, and Soji Akinrinade to run a media consultancy, where he mentored younger journalists and upheld high standards of reporting. Agbese wrote several books on journalism and the craft of column writing. His works include Nigeria: Their Nigeria, Fellow Nigerians, The Reporter’s Companion, Style: A Guide to Good Writing, and The Columnist’s Companion. His writing was marked by a measured wit and disciplined craftsmanship.
His influence extended beyond journalism. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid tribute to his legacy, calling him “a courageous voice and a principled editor whose commitment to truth and public service shaped generations of media professionals.” A particular information minister described him as a “titan of truth”, praising his decades-long defence of press freedom.
Death is a temporary departure from life here on earth, but never from the mind, as his memory will linger in our hearts for years to come. We are also consoled by the fact that this parting is only for a while, because our hope as Christians is to meet again on the resurrection day.
On behalf of INDECO Group and KREENO Consortium, we extend our deepest condolences to Agbese’s family, his wife, Rose Agbese, his six children, and his grandchildren, and to his many colleagues and mentees. His life offers a clear lesson for several to emulate on service and integrity: his example encourages you to protect truth in your own work and decisions, uphold facts, demand accountability, and serve the public with integrity.
We honour his memory, celebrate his achievements, and commit ourselves to carrying forward the values he lived by. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, and may the Grace of God abound to those he left behind in all ways. Amen.
Rest in peace, Dan Agbese.
Prof. Prisca Ndu, Ph.D.
Executive Vice Chairman
