RismadarVoice Reporters
February 17, 2026
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has renamed the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation after the late veteran journalist, Chief Dan Agbese, in honour of his immense contributions to journalism, public discourse.
The Governor disclosed this on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, stating that Agbese’s legacy deserved enduring recognition.
“Last weekend, we laid to rest one of Nigeria’s most respected journalists, Chief Dan Agbese, whose courage, intellect, and lifelong dedication to truth left an enduring mark on our nation,” Alia wrote.
“In honour of his remarkable legacy and immense contributions to journalism and public discourse, I have issued an Executive Order renaming the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation as the Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation. This decision is intended to ensure that his name and values continue to inspire generations to come.”
Governor Alia also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Benue State, and the Nigerian media community.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Benue State, I extend my deepest condolences once again to his family, the people of Benue, and the entire Nigerian media community. May his soul continue to rest in peace,” he added.
Agbese, a renowned journalist, columnist, and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, died on November 17, 2025, at the age of 81.
Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern magazine journalism in Nigeria, Agbese rose to national prominence following the establishment of Newswatch in 1984 alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, he worked across newspapers, broadcasting, and magazine journalism. He held key editorial and managerial positions, including Editor of the New Nigerian, Editor of The Nigeria Standard, and General Manager of Radio Benue.
At Newswatch, he served as Managing Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and later Editor-in-Chief, steering the publication through some of Nigeria’s most turbulent political transitions.
Even after stepping away from active newsroom leadership, Agbese remained influential through his widely read columns in Daily Trust and The Guardian, where his analytical and satirical style earned him lasting respect.
In a 2025 tribute, President Bola Tinubu described him as “not just a journalist; he was an institution,” while colleagues and media professionals hailed his integrity, discipline, mentorship.
