TRIBUTE: 13 Things You Don’t Know About Dan Agbese

On Monday, November 17, 2025, news broke out that Dan Agbese, one of the founding members of the Newswatch magazine has passed on.

In a statement released by Okibe Agbese on behalf of the family, the Agbese dynasty of the Ikpilogwu clan, Agila district of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, it started that Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila—had “transited to eternal glory” in the early hours of Monday.

The death of Chief Agbese is a huge loss to journalism in Nigeria, nay Africa as his life was marked with courage, doggedness, fearlessness in the profession.

Agbese confronted the military dictatorship of Muhammadu Buhar, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and Sani Abacha with high level of life-threatening write ups and publications.

13 things you probably don’t know about Agbese

1. Chief Agbese was born on May 12, 1944, to the humble family of in Agila to Dan-Msugh Agbese in Agila in Benue state.
2. He studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, graduating among a a group that would later define the future of Nigerian media and by extension journalism in Africa.
3. He also studied at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York, where he earned a Master of Science degree.
4. During his studies in Columbia, he won the Pitman Prize, marking him as one of the brightest young journalists of his generation.
5. He was the Editor of The Nigeria Standard and also New Nigerian.
6. He served as the General Manager, Radio Benue, Makurdi, Benue state.
7. In 1984, Dan Agbese co-founded Newswatch, a weekly news magazine with three other media titans: Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed.
8. Later in their publication, despite the alleged assassination of Dele Giwa on October 19, 1986, Chief Agbese became Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine, a post he held until April 2010.
9. Apart from newsroom activities, Chief Agbese also authored many books including, The Columnist’s Companion, The Art and Craft of Column Writing, The Reporter’s Companion, Style: A Guide to Good Writing, Nigeria Their Nigeria, Fellow Nigerians: Turning Points in the Political History of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida: The Military, Politics and Power in Nigeria.
10. After leaving Newswatch, he co-ran a media consultancy with friends and colleagues Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade.
11. During his 75th birthday in 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari publicly celebrated him, describing him as one of the nation’s most respected journalists and thinkers.
12. He holds traditional title, Awan’Otun of Agila, which reflects the level of his relevance at his home in particular and even in the country in general.
13. He is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, their six children and Seven grandchildren.

David Mark Mourns Chief Dan Agbese

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Senator David Mark has expressed his deep grief over the death of media icon.

The former Senate President in a statement released on Monday by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Senator wrote.

“The Nigerian media fraternity has been thrown into deep mourning following the passing of one of its finest professionals, Editor Dan Agbese, whose transition marks the end of an era defined by integrity, fearlessness, and an unwavering commitment to the truth.

“Editor Agbese was more than a newsroom leader. He was a national asset whose pen shaped public discourse, elevated journalistic standards, and inspired generations of young reporters across the country. His career was distinguished by excellence, depth, fairness, and courage, earning him a revered place among Nigeria’s most respected media icons.”

He described Agbese’s death is a monumental loss not only to journalism but to the entire nation.

Mark further expressed that “At a time when truth and accountability are more vital than ever, Nigeria has lost a voice that consistently stood for justice, ethical reporting, and national unity,” he said.

He extended his condolences to his family and Nigerians at large.

“As we honour the memory of Dan Agbese, we recommit ourselves to the values he upheld—professionalism, courage, and the pursuit of truth. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide the industry for years to come. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the date of his burial is yet to be announced by the family.