Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Veteran journalist Dan Agbese dies at 81

Mr Agbese, 81, died on Monday in Lagos, according to a statement by the family.

• November 17, 2025
Dan Agbese
Dan Agbese

Veteran journalist and co-founder of the defunct Newswatch Magazine, Dan Agbese, is dead.

Mr Agbese, 81, died on Monday in Lagos, according to a statement by the family.

“We hereby announce the passing away of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila,” the family said.

The family said burial arrangements would be announced in due course.

Born on May 12, 1944, in Agila, Mr Agbese was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest journalists, noted for his incisive satire, mastery of language, and unwavering commitment to media professionalism. 

The deceased played a pivotal role in shaping modern investigative journalism and political commentary in the country.

Mr Agbese was a former editor of The Nigerian Standard and New Nigerian newspapers and also served as the general manager of Radio Benue in Makurdi.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Agbese, six children, and seven grandchildren.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Air Marshal Sunday Aneke

NationWide

Air chief orders strict compliance with aviation safety standards across NAF operations

The CAS said the complexity of ongoing operations had increased risk exposure, making it necessary for the service to reinforce preventive measures.

Congolese fleeing their homes

Africa

200,000 flee as Rwanda-backed rebels approach Congo villages

This comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the Rwandan and Congolese leaders to proclaim peace.

NIGERIAN DOCTORS

Diaspora

Permanent Residence: Canada to make japa easy for Nigerian doctors, others

Invitations to apply will be issued in early 2026, with Canada reserving 5,000 spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers.

Adijat Adeleye.

States

Ogun recorded 502 gender-based violence cases in 11 months: Commissioner

The commissioner described the figure as alarming and indicative of a deepening crisis affecting women, girls, and vulnerable persons.

Tinubu signing a document

Africa

Failed Coup: Tinubu seeks Senate’s approval to deploy troops to Benin Republic

Nigeria had earlier provided air intervention following the coup in Benin. Some of the coup plotters were arrested, while others are still on the run.

Sport

Stakeholders urge revival of Nigeria’s basketball administration

Basketball stakeholders have renewed calls for the urgent revival of the country’s basketball administration.