The Nigerian media landscape is in mourning following the death of veteran journalist and Newswatch magazine co-founder, Yakubu Mohammed. He passed away on Monday night at the age of 75 after a brief illness.
A Nation Mourns a Media Titan
President Bola Tinubu led the tributes, describing the late Mohammed as a courageous professional and a personal friend. In a condolence message, the President expressed his sorrow to the family, the government and people of Kogi State, and the wider media community.
He highlighted that Mohammed's journalism career, which spanned over five decades, was defined by uncommon bravery and professional integrity, often risking his life to speak truth to power.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President, David Mark, expressed deep sorrow. In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark described Mohammed as a distinguished journalist and a courageous voice who greatly contributed to investigative journalism in Nigeria.
Architect of a Fearless Era
Yakubu Mohammed's legacy is indelibly linked to the founding of Newswatch magazine in 1984. He co-founded the iconic publication alongside the late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu. This team pioneered a new era of fearless investigative journalism during Nigeria's challenging military rule.
President Tinubu specifically recalled Mohammed's steadfast commitment to sustaining the Newswatch vision even after the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986, a period that severely tested the magazine's leadership.
Beyond his media work, Mohammed also served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), showcasing his dedication to public service and education.
Enduring Legacy in Words and Principle
The veteran journalist recently published his memoir, Beyond Expectations, in November 2025. President Tinubu noted that the book offers profound reflections on Nigerian leadership and the enduring duty of journalists in shaping the nation's conscience.
The League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) also mourned his passing. Its Secretary-General, Anthony Kila, stated that Mohammed's contributions significantly advanced the growth and principled stance of the LNC. He praised Mohammed's writings for their clarity, moral seriousness, and dedication to national development.
The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) expressed deep sadness, calling Mohammed a stalwart of Nigerian journalism. The association's statement emphasized that he was instrumental in building a platform that gave a fearless voice to the people and set a gold standard for editorial excellence during the military era.
His death, coming less than two months after that of his Newswatch colleague Dan Agbese, has been described by David Mark as another major blow to the Fourth Estate of the Realm in Nigeria.
