Dan Agbese’s passing a colossal loss to Nigeria’s media industry – Sanwo-Olu

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the death of renowned journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dan Agbese, describing it as a colossal loss to Nigeria’s media industry.

In a condolence message released on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said the passing of the veteran journalist and columnist is both painful and heartbreaking.

Agbese, a celebrated journalist, author, columnist, and publisher, died on Monday, November 17, at the age of 81.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Agbese’s wealth of experience and knowledge, as a mentor and role model to many media practitioners, will be sorely missed.

“The death of a journalism icon and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Chief Dan Agbese, is a great loss to the media industry, Nigeria, and his family and friends. He will be greatly missed,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He added, “He was a bold, courageous, and uncompromising journalist, editor, columnist, and publisher who made significant contributions during his lifetime, shaping the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria. Chief Dan Agbese was renowned for his seminal contributions to journalism practice and his satirical columns in numerous publications.”

The governor highlighted Agbese’s illustrious career, which included roles as Editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi, and Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of the trailblazing Newswatch magazine.

“He was a role model to many journalists in Nigeria, having nurtured and provided platforms for media practitioners who have become leading voices in journalism and leaders in various sectors,” Sanwo-Olu said.

On behalf of the Lagos State Government, the governor extended condolences to the Agbese family of the Ikpilogwu clan in Agila District, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, particularly to the widow, Chief Rose Agbese, and their children.

“I also commiserate with his friends, colleagues, and the media industry in Nigeria over the passing of this veteran journalist. I pray that God grants Dan Agbese eternal rest and gives his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.

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