Friday, October 16, 2026

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

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

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.”

Kashim Shettima

Heading 4

Shettima urges statisticians to strengthen Nigeria’s data systems

Mr Shettima said credible statistics were essential for effective governance and economic planning.

Customs officers used to illustrate the story

Heading 5

Sokoto: Customs confiscate truckload of contraband worth N722 million

He urged Nigerians to support the NCS by providing credible information that could help eradicate smuggling.

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

Heading 3

2027: Tinubu directs security chiefs to rescue abducted Nigerians, crush terrorists

Mr Musa said Mr Tinubu also stressed the need for free, fair and credible elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Heading 2

INEC decries exclusion of PWDs from elective positions in Akwa Ibom

Mr Onuoha said the commission would hold a sensitisation programme for persons with disabilities on Friday in Uyo.