By Tony Okafor
Nigeria yesterday lost one of the most distinguished figures in its media history with the passing of Dan Agbese, co-founder of Newswatch magazine.
He died at 81, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape the practice of journalism for more than four decades.
Agbese was part of the iconic quartet—Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed, and himself—whose work redefined Nigerian journalism in the 1980s.
Through Newswatch, they proved that journalism could be bold without being reckless, patriotic without losing its independence, and fearless without descending into sensationalism.
PppTheir influence continues to echo in every newsroom and in the work of generations of writers, commentators, and public advocates.
Within that formidable team, Agbese distinguished himself through quiet discipline and mastery of the written word.
His prose, clean, steady, and memorable, became the magazine’s literary heartbeat.
His famous “Preface to the Cover” offered readers a gentle but compelling entry into the publication’s major stories, demonstrating his gift for clarity and depth.
He wrote like a teacher—firm, insightful, yet without the harshness of a cane—and like a craftsman who understood the power and responsibility of language.
Much of what made Newswatch endure—the investigative spirit, editorial courage, and literary polish—was strengthened by Agbese’s meticulous approach.
Admirers often noted the quiet rhythm of his sentences—simple in form, rich in meaning, and clearly shaped by his unique style.
As the nation reflects on his passing, it must also revisit the values he championed: integrity, clarity of thought, and a demonstrable commitment to the public good.
The Nigeria he examined, questioned, and illuminated remains a work in progress, but his contributions continue to guide those who believe in journalism as a tool for national renewal.
Dan Agbese is gone, but the tradition he helped build will shape the journalism profession for years to come.
Adieu, Sir Dan, our teacher.
