The Nigerian media landscape is draped in sorrow following the confirmation of the death of a pioneering figure, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed. The veteran journalist and co-founder of the iconic Newswatch Magazine passed away, as announced by the Kogi State Government on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Government and Minister Lead Tributes to a Media Titan
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State confirmed the painful loss. The governor described the late Mohammed, a proud son of Dekina Local Government Area in Kogi, as the pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria. His contributions, Ododo noted, stretched far beyond the media, significantly impacting national discourse.
Governor Ododo praised the deceased for belonging to a generation of journalists who defined the professionalism, courage, and integrity of the profession in the country. He credited Mohammed with helping to redesign public conversation and strengthen the pillars of accountability within Nigeria's democratic experience.
Echoing these sentiments, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, mourned the veteran in a separate statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim. Idris highlighted Mohammed's unwavering commitment over five decades, particularly his bravery in "telling the truth to power" during the nation's difficult periods under military rule.
A Legacy Forged in the Newswatch Era
The tributes consistently pointed to one of Yakubu Mohammed's most enduring legacies: the founding of Newswatch Magazine in the 1980s. Governor Ododo recalled that Mohammed embarked on this groundbreaking venture alongside other journalism legends: Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese.
This collaboration marked a definitive turning point for Nigerian journalism. Newswatch Magazine set a new, elevated standard for investigative reporting and editorial excellence, influencing countless media practitioners and shaping how news is consumed in the country.
Beyond the newsroom, Mohammed also served the nation in significant public service roles. His tenure as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was singled out by both Governor Ododo and Minister Idris as an invaluable contribution to education and the public good.
A Nation Reflects on a Life of Impact
The death of Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed has sparked a period of reflection on the role of courageous and ethical journalism in nation-building. Minister Idris encapsulated this, describing the late journalist as a "true patriot, a brave heart, and a change maker" who used his intellect to advance societal progress.
His passing leaves a substantial void in Nigeria's media fraternity and the wider public sphere. As condolences pour in from government officials, colleagues, and citizens, the consensus is clear: the standards he helped establish for investigative journalism and holding power to account remain a crucial part of his immortal legacy.
The news of Mohammed's death comes shortly after the Kogi State Government announced the passing of three prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that had also elicited widespread public reaction and calls for clarity.
