RismadarVoice Reporters
January 15, 2026
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two eminent journalists and co-founders of Newswatch Magazine, Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese, describing them as irreplaceable treasures to Nigerian journalism.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild paid glowing tributes to the late journalists, noting that their impact on the media industry went far beyond news reporting.
According to the NGE, Mohammed and Agbese set high ethical standards, inspired generations of journalists and elevated the prestige of the profession through integrity, professionalism and fearless journalism.
“The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) is saddened by the passing of two distinguished and outstanding journalists, Messrs Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese,” the statement read.
The Guild noted that with their passing, Nigerian journalism had lost two of the three surviving co-founders of Newswatch Magazine, describing the loss as monumental.
“By the deaths of Mohammed and Agbese, who were among the three surviving co-founders of Newswatch Magazine, Nigerian journalism has lost great and irreplaceable treasures,” the statement said.
It added that both men were seasoned journalists, respected voices in the Nigerian media space and committed members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
The NGE highlighted their incisive commentaries, dedication to press freedom and unwavering commitment to democratic values, describing them as iconic journalists who helped shape investigative journalism in Nigeria.
“These iconic journalists were fearless, professional and brought prestige to journalism through their works. They gave investigative journalism in Nigeria impetus and contributed immensely to nation-building,” the Guild stated.
As a mark of respect, the NGE urged journalists across the country to dedicate one day to self-reflection and recommitment to the core values of the profession.
The Guild called on media practitioners to uphold the cardinal principles of journalism, including truth, accuracy, fairness, objectivity, independence, integrity, ethical standards, transparency and accountability, in honour of the late media icons.
