- He also maintained influential weekly columns in newspapers such as Daily Trust and The Guardian
- His career spanned several top editorial roles, including serving as editor of The Nigeria Standard
- Beyond the newsroom, he authored a number of widely referenced books
Newsroom circles across Nigeria were thrown into mourning on Monday following the passing of veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese.
He died at 81 in Lagos, according to family members who confirmed the development earlier in the day.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Agbese was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest columnists, celebrated for his crisp writing and influential role in shaping modern journalism.
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In a formal announcement, the Agbese family of the Ikpilogwu clan in Agila, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, described him as a cherished husband, father, grandfather and mentor. They noted that he “transited to eternal glory” on Monday, November 17, 2025, adding that burial plans would be released later.
Born on May 12, 1944, Agbese became a towering figure in the media, known for his humour-laced commentary and commitment to ethical reporting.
His career spanned several top editorial roles, including serving as editor of The Nigeria Standard, the New Nigerian, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
He later joined Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed in founding Newswatch magazine in 1984, a publication that revolutionised investigative journalism.
Agbese rose through the ranks to become Managing Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and, eventually, Editor-in-Chief until April 2010.
Beyond the newsroom, he authored several widely referenced books, including Nigeria Their Nigeria, Fellow Nigerians, The Reporter’s Companion, and Style: A Guide to Good Writing.
He also maintained influential weekly columns in newspapers such as Daily Trust and The Guardian, while running a media consultancy with Ekpu, Mohammed, and Soji Akinrinade.
Agbese earned degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Lagos and Columbia University, New York, respectively.
He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children, and seven grandchildren
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