Veteran Nigerian most accomplished journalist, editor-in-chief, wordsmith and author, Dan Agbese, has died.
This was confirmed Monday in a statement by the Agbese family of the Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, noting he passed away at the age of 81.
The family said burial arrangements would be announced in due course.
“We hereby announce the passing away of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor, Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.
“Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday, November 17, 2025. He was aged 81.”
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Agbese was a renowned journalist and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and for his satirical columns.
He was editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
Agbese was one of the founders of the trail-blazing Newswatch magazine and was, until April 2010, its Editor-in-Chief.
“Before his passing, he wrote several books and maintained weekly columns in notable newspapers, including the Daily Trust and The Guardian, while running a media consultancy with his friends and colleagues, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.
“He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren.,” the statement concluded.
Born on May 12, 1944, Chief Agbese’s professional journey began at The New Nigerian and The Nigeria Standard, where he cut his teeth in reporting and editorial work.
His defining career milestone came in 1984 when he joined Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed to establish Newswatch, a weekly newsmagazine that became a model of investigative journalism in Nigeria.
Over the years, he held several leadership roles within the magazine, including Managing Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and Editor-in-Chief, helping to shape modern Nigerian journalism.
Agbese was also a prolific author. His works, including Nigeria Their Nigeria, Fellow Nigerians, The Reporter’s Companion, Style: A Guide to Good Writing, and The Columnist’s Companion: The Art and Craft of Column Writing, are considered essential reading for journalists and media professionals.
Beyond writing, he was deeply involved in mentoring young journalists and advising media organisations through his consultancy.
He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children, and seven grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic excellence, intellectual rigour, and a commitment to truth in media.
