RismadarVoice Reporters
January 14, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has confirmed the death of elder statesman and renowned journalist, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, a co-founder of the iconic Newswatch Magazine.
Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed died at 75, on Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness.
The deceased, who hailed from Ologba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, was born on April 4, 1950. His passing comes barely two months after the death of another Newswatch co-founder, Mr. Dan Agbese, who died in November 2025 at the age of 81.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo expressed deep condolences to the family of the late journalist, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and the entire media community.
The Governor described Alhaji Mohammed as a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria and a proud son of Kogi State, whose contributions towards nation-building went beyond the media industry.
Governor Ododo noted that Mohammed was part of a rare generation of journalists who redefined courage, professionalism and integrity in Nigerian journalism, adding that his work helped shape public discourse and strengthen democratic accountability.
He recalled Mohammed’s role in the establishment of Newswatch Magazine in 1984 alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese, describing it as a major turning point in Nigeria’s media history, especially during the military era.
The Governor also highlighted the late journalist’s record of public service, including his tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between 2005 and 2007, as well as his contributions to the development of Kogi State.
According to Governor Ododo, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed was a bridge-builder, a mentor to many, a respected voice of conscience in national affairs.
He prayed that Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest, comfort his family and all those mourning his loss.
Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed was a frontline Nigerian journalist, writer, editor and administrator. He held a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and a postgraduate diploma in management and public administration from the Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland.
He worked with New Nigerian and National Concord newspapers before resigning in 1984 to co-found Newswatch Magazine, where he served in various editorial and administrative roles for nearly three decades.
