He made the call in Lagos at the unveiling of the Newswatch 5 Lecture Series/ Tribute Session for late veteran journalist, Yakubu Mohammed.

The event held on Thursday in Lagos.

Mohammed, one of the founders of Newswatch magazine, died on January 13.

The Newswatch men were late Dele Giwa, late Dan Agbese, late Yakubu Mohammed, Mr Ray Ekpu and Mr Soji Akinrinade.

The event was organised by  the Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation.

Janet Afolabi, wife of the traditional ruler of Apomu in Osun State, Oba Kayode Afolabi, was a staff of Newswatch.

Ekpu highlighted challenges posed by the evolving communication ecosystem.

He said the rise of citizen journalism which was  driven by widespread access to digital tools, had transformed ordinary individuals into active participants in news gathering and dissemination.

According to him, while this development has amplified voices and expanded access to information, it has also introduced concerns about accuracy, professionalism and ethical standards.

Ekpu noted that untrained individuals often disseminated unverified information, sometimes mixing facts with falsehoods, thereby undermining public trust in news content.

“Some circulate unverified reports tagged ‘breaking news’ or ‘forwarded as received’, even when such information is misleading or completely false,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged that citizen journalism had come to stay and played a significant role in shaping modern communication and public discourse.

Ekpu proposed a “marriage of convenience” between citizen journalism and traditional journalism to harness the strengths of both systems.

He said that such ‘marriage’ would combine the speed of citizen reporting with the credibility, verification processes and ethical standards of professional journalism.

“The union should produce two outcomes –  credibility and speed  – ensuring that society benefits from timely and accurate information,” he said.

Ekpu emphasised that professional journalism remained a structured practice guided by ethical codes, editorial processes and collaborative workflows, unlike individual-driven citizen reporting.

He urged media professionals to adapt to the changing landscape by engaging citizen contributors while maintaining rigorous standards of verification and accountability.

Ekpu said that the legacy of Mohammed, known for accuracy and clarity, would offer a model for integrating innovation with professionalism in journalism practice.

He said that Mohammed’s commitment to truth and ethical reporting underscored the need to preserve credibility amid rapid technological and societal changes.

Ekpu stressed that collaboration, rather than competition, between both forms of journalism would be essential for strengthening democracy and informed public engagement.

A former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi, described Mohammed as a principled administrator and an accomplished journalist.

Abdullahi said that Mohammed lived a fulfilled life and left behind a strong family.

He recalled Mohammed’s tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at ABU, where he introduced reforms, promoted transparency, and boosted staff morale.

“He upheld integrity and resisted selfish interests, ensuring the university’s progress,” he said.

Also, the Head of Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos, Prof. Ibitayo Popoola, described Mohammed as a key figure in journalism.

Popoola said that Mohammed’s contributions to the media industry and the academia would endure.

He prayed  for the repose of his soul, and urged journalists to uphold his legacy of excellence.

Source: NAN

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In the Newswatch founding quartet, Yakubu Mohammed was reputed as the pearl and vital link to gold. He was the sheik who had a Midas touch that translated to huge resources. His immense contacts provided access to several deals thereby opening doors to the magazine’s financial stability in its hay days.

Unlike now when media professionals “work in silos” in the view of Gbenga Adefaye, former president, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) or prefer to operate as atoms, the collaboration of high flying editors – Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed to found Newswatch in 1984 was not only novel but hinged on harnessing their peculiar endowment.

From conception, sourcing for funds to giving character to the new product, they traded ideas, shared thoughts and brought their individual competences to the table to midwife a magazine on the platter of noble ideals. Their dream visualize a quality magazine like Time and Newsweek. The magazines that took their birth thereafter like Tell and The News borrowed from this pattern.

From Ume Umanah to Abdulaziz Udeh, Yakubu Mohammed was the anchor in the angling to reach out to men of means. As Associate Editor and Managing Editor at the New Nigerian from 1976 to 1980 and later Editor of the then influential National Concord newspaper, owned by acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, he had built an arsenal of rich contacts.

Although his writings appeared a bit colourless and sometimes shared views that veered on the far right ideological spectrum, he had the ability to combine vision, determination, deft entrepreneurial spirit, willingness to face failure with relationship building and could wrap deals that addressed the needs of all parties while achieving his own ambitious goals.

In simple terms, Yakubu Mohammed who was executive editor and managing editor and later deputy chief executive became more financially endowed than other Newswatch founders,

He could have turned out as Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Ratan Tata, Gautam Adani or Andrew Carnegie if he operated in a different clime with more promising fortunes. However much of these resources were also spluttered on his governorship debacle in Kogi State.

At a time, the Editor in Chief, Dan Agbese who was sharing the other wing of a twin duplex apartment hired by Newswatch and owned by Mohammed, was piqued and could not fathom why the rents of the house were suddenly raised. Dan’s grouse was that since Mohammed exploited his Newswatch identity to become rich, he needed to show more pity.

Born in Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mohammed attended St Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba (1964) and Government Secondary School, Okene (1965-1969). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos (1972–1975) and later studied at the Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland (1978–1979).

In response to breaking stories, reporters were given funds to also cover purchase of new shirts and pants just to make sure they had no recourse to go home to pick their luggage.

Shortly after the assassination of the founding Editor in Chief, Dele Giwa in October 1986, the massive drift of the first generation editors led by Nosa Igiebor, Dele Omotunde, Dare Babarinsa and others to float Tell magazine had nudged Newswatch into a quandary. Rising from this sudden flight of its first 11 leading to a near depletion of its newsroom was a grilling task.

This was also against the backdrop of the stiff competition posed by new publications like This Week, Timesweek, African Concord and The Sunday Magazine (TSM). This necessitated the poaching of fresh hands. And that’s how I got a note from Yakubu for a chat to come on board.

Coming from the Daily Times that was then enmeshed in the loutcry over the perceived “jumbo salary” offered to staff brought in as part of Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi era to change the face of the newspaper, I got a 67 percent raise to join Newswatch.

It was then a fat cheque but nothing compared to the whooping 412 percent pay difference between The Post Express which I later joined in the middle of 1996 and my subsequent movement to National Interest in October 2000.

Just as it was at the Daily Times, where then General Manager, Angus Okoli generously approved our traveling expenses and other claims, story ideas were properly funded at Newswatch. There were no financial inhibition on your trips. Reporters were sent to far flung places sometimes at short notices and without any opportunities to say goodbye to their families in a pre mobile phone era.

In response to breaking stories, reporters were given funds to also cover purchase of new shirts and pants just to make sure they had no recourse to go home to pick their luggage.

From the editorial meetings we sometimes get marching orders. I recall one of our colleagues, Utibe Ukim who covered aviation being put in the next flight to Kano to make on the spot check of the newly installed instrument landing system (ILS) at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Many times the then General Editor, Soji Akinrinade would raised alarm about reporters not meeting the financial threshold for trips. “ What’s happening that you guys have not traveled this week,” he would reel raising fears about the magazine not having enough stories in the bank.

Thanks to the Daily Times and Newswatch experiences on field trips and particularly covering areas of the North East of the country, I remember how former Governor of Borno State, Maina Maaji Lawan almost threw me out of his office when I asked him about the wisdom of taking 1000 persons to Mecca in the midst of acute water scarcity in Maiduguri.

It was easy knocking my jottings to do a tribute on Dr Shekarau Angyu Masa Ibi, the 27th Aku Uka of Wukari when he departed on October 10th, 2021 at the age of 84 after 45 years in the throne. I also relish the story titled, “Askira Uba: Death of Gallant Soldiers on My Pathway” published in The News magazine in November 23, 2021.

The terrorist group, Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, which has seemingly grown fiercer than the dreaded Boko Haram, was in the offensive against our soldiers in Bulguma, Askira Uba Local Government Area, a pathway traversed severally by this writer long before BH conceived opening their operational base in Sambisa located within earshots.

By the time the staccato of their smoking gun had receded, one of our gallant generals, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkisu, commander of the special forces and three soldiers laid dead. It was really tragic losing a general who actually called for reinforcement to confront the brazen attack from ISWAP.

These days many reporters churn out stories from their dingy laptops and phones. Publishing interviews with persons they’ve never met because of the astronomical cost of traveling around is commonplace.

The vital lesson of that glowing era perhaps still haunts us. If media professionals collaborated to pool resources in a period of economic boom, it should be a matter of great worry that we’ve now opted to work in splinters when the economy is in virtual shreds. Nurturing a strong and viable Nigerian media on this warped thinking may be a mirage.

The demise of Yakubu Mohammed at 75 after a protracted bout from prostrate cancer for which he underwent chemotherapy is the huge loss of an astute deal maker. Coming weeks after the death of Dan Agbese, this is a big blow to the Nigerian media and the Newswatch family.

It’s not particularly soothing for Ray Ekpu who’s now left alone to bear the can of their initial dream. My heart and prayers are with Yakubu Mohammed’s immediate family in this period of tribulations. May his soul find rest in the Lord’s bosom, Amen.

*Iyare, an international journalist is also a development expert.

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The post Yakubu Mohammed: Demise of a media Sheik appeared first on Frontpageng.

It stated that by the death of Mohammed and Agbese, who were among the three surviving co-founders of Newswatch Magazine, Nigerian journalism had lost great and irreplaceable treasures.

In a statement by its president, Eze Anaba, and general secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE said Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese, both seasoned journalists and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, were respected voices in Nigerian media and Nigeria as a whole.

It said their incisive commentaries and commitment to press freedom and democratic values, inspired many.

“These iconic journalists were fearless, professional and brought prestige to journalism by their works.

“They gave investigative journalism in Nigeria impetus and contributed immensely to nation-building.”

The NGE added: “As a mark of respect for Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese, we urged all journalists to set aside one day to rededicate themselves and reflect on the salient points of journalism, with eyes on the cardinal points of good journalism, which are truth, accuracy, fairness, objectivity, independence, integrity, ethical standards, transparency, and accountability.”

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On the day that our boss, Dan Agbese passed, the first person I called was Oga Yakubu Mohammed. He said he has heard the rumour and had to call to confirm it. He and Dan had plans! This morning, I switched on my phone and the first post I saw was that of Muyiwa Akintunde. As Oga Yakubu would usually say when he does not believe your excuses but would defend your rights to make them, my thoughts were – Okay o! Another one! Wow!

Of the four Newswatch musketeers that I met when I finally joined the family in the early-90s, Oga Yakubu was the most unassuming. Except when Dan was away, you hardly have direct contact with him. But when you do, it was always revealing.

He probably has more contacts within the Who is Who in Nigeria of the other ogas. When it comes to getting hard-nose facts to enrich a report, he’d share his contacts, call the contact ahead to introduce you and make your job easier.

But I had a very personal rapport with him that I’ll remember till I join him. When I secured placement in the JournalistsinEurope programme in Paris, I notified my bosses and they surprisingly supported my career advancement. I prepared all the necessary documents including the N1,500 visa fee that was required and went to the French Embassy only to be told that they had just increased visa fee by an extra one thousand Naira.

The fatal determinist in me told myself that it was not God’s plan for me to go. So, I returned to the newsroom and continued with my job. I had just been transfered to Abuja and was working on stories from there, my first inroad into real journalism. A lot of my colleagues and editors were surprised with the calmness I demonstrated given that such an opportunity of a lifetime was slipping away from me, but it did not move me a bit.

Late afternoon, Oga Yakubu and I met at the corridor of the office and in his jovial manner he asked ‘French man, why are you still here, I thought you had left’. I smiled and told him casually that I ought to, but that I won’t be going to France after all.

He asked why? I told him that earlier in the day, I had gone to the French Embassy only to be told that they had increased their visa fee by a whopping N1,000. I had spent all my savings to afford the initial fee I was asked to bring.

Shocked and somewhat disappointed at the casual way I carried on, he invited me to his office and gently scolded me. ‘Don’t you realize that apart from being my reporter, you are like a younger brother to me. We are both from Kogi. If you had spoken to me earlier, I would have given you the extra, I just gave that money to someone who came moments ago. Is it too late tomorrow’, he asked? When I said no, he promised to give me the extra money the next day. He did, adding a little gyara for transportation to Ikoyi and making sure he came very early so that I won’t miss the appointment. Without his help, I would never have gone to France, my first trip across Africa.

From that encounter, we have maintained a father to son relationship. He monitors my moves, will call to commend a piece I had written that caught his fancy and tell me he forwarded it to some of his contacts.

Last year when he wrote his memoir, I was one of the first few people he contacted. When it was launched, he called to ask for my address so that he could send me an autographed copy. Out of shame, I promised him I will buy a copy on my own. I did not feel comfortable making him lose an extra kobo. He called again to let me know which bookshop to get it in Abuja. Now I owe him one in death.

This morning, Muyiwa broke the sad news that Oga Yakubu, like his brother Dan Agbese has changed address. All I can say is that may Allah SWT grant him jannah firdaous and comfort his family. He was an awesome mentor and a very big elder brother.

The vacuum that these icons are leaving is too big for anyone to fill. But we continue to be strong, until others are called to be strong for us.

Good night Oga @YakubuMohammed, fare thee well sir.

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He was 75 years old.

Mohammed died on Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness.

The death of the top journalist was confirmed by the governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media  Hon. Ismaila Isah, on Wednesday.

The governor described Mohammed as “a proud son of Kogi State from Dekina Local Government Area whose contributions to nation-building transcended the media space.”

The governor declared that he belonged to a rare “generation of journalists who redefined courage, professionalism and integrity in Nigerian journalism and a man whose influence shaped public discourse and strengthened accountability in a democracy.”

Mohammed died about two months after his colleague and another co-founder of Newswatch, Dan Agbese, passed on at 81.

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There are two things I avoid when people I adore die: I don’t write tributes and I avoid their burial. Twice in the last few years I have broken the second one: Attended their burials. The first was for my father-in-law, Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf, who is better known as Salam Salam. The second was that of my brother-in-law, Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte, who I affectionately call Chief Justice (CJ). But I never wrote even a single line about them. Because I really didn’t know where to start from.

Now that my greatest mentor in journalism, who I describe as a boss and a friend, Dan Agbese, is gone, I am being forced to break both the first and the second. My dilemma in breaking the first of the things I avoid now is: Where do I start from? Not when just a few days before Oga Dan died I still spoke affectionately about the four Directors of Newswatch magazine who shaped my journalism career: Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed (who I still keep in touch with), Soji Akinrinade (we jam once in a while on WhatsApp), and Agbese. Without them, I am not sure I would have had such a solid foundation in journalism.

But I must confess that Oga Dan did more than the others did. And that was because at the time I returned to Newswatch after my youth service, he was overseeing the Back of the Book section of the magazine. And I was more or less the Sports Editor after the death of Kayode Olaokun, who encouraged me to chase Taiwo Yusuf, who is now Taiwo Oladipo.

Beyond my beat on the Sports Desk, I was also looking into World News and the Security Desk, where Janet Afolabi, the CNN award winning journalist, who is now the Olori (Queen) of Apomu in Osun State, was firmly in charge.

I learnt so many things from Oga Dan in the years I spent in Newswatch. One was humility. He carries his bag, newspapers, and other stuff he brings to the office himself. It is only when it seems too much that you will see his driver or office assistant assist him. For other staff, it was a no, no. I took that from him.

And in terms of the real work itself, he has a way of pushing you beyond what you assumed was your limit. I remember my first Cover Story for Newswatch. It was a Sports story. And that was the week Olaokun died. The gangling (that’s what Oga Dan called him) Olaokun had all the materials we had gathered for the Cover with him and was on his way to the office on a Monday morning to defend the story at the Editorial Board meeting when he was knocked down by a motorcyclist riding one-way.

After we discovered what happened on a Tuesday, with production scheduled for Thursday, the burden to write the Cover fell on me. How I recovered from the shock of Olaokun’s death to write that story was the effort of Oga Dan who calmed me down. In fact, when Olaokun’s family opted to bury him before we concluded production that week, the Directors of Newswatch prevailed on them to hold on until the Friday of that week, providing the vehicle for the transportation of the corpse.

From then on, we forged a bond that remained unbroken. I still remember the Cover I anchored on late Chief Bola Ige as the Minister of Power when he failed to fulfil his promise of providing 24 hours power supply to Nigerians within six months or a maximum of one year in office. We waited for it to be one year before we took him on. It was the last I did before leaving. The Editorial Board had decided on an entirely different Cover, which some of us the young reporters felt was not going to do well in the market. I led a protest team to his office. I expressed our reservations on the proposed Cover. He asked one question: Why are you convinced of the choice of this Cover? I marshalled the points. Then he told me: If you are going to anchor it, then it will go as Cover. And it did.

With Oga Dan, scolding in abrasive manners is completely out of it. You will only get what we called then: Love letter. I recall a trip I took to Abuja for a Cover. By the time I got to Abuja, I had taken ill. I did a very bad job with the Cover. And I got a Love Letter. But that Lover Letter is not for when you don’t do well alone. When you perform well, you get it also. I remember his cursive writing on his office memo pad. I still have a couple of them in my folder.

Compassion is at the top of his good qualities. On the badly written Cover when I travelled to Abuja, as soon as I returned and he saw me, he apologised for the Love Letter seeing that I looked ill. To the company clinic he sent me.

He also suffers nothing, including his personal resources, when it comes to getting stories out. His nose for stories is unquantifiable. I remember as the Defence Correspondent when I had to go to Liberia when our troops were enforcing peace in that country. A day before we were to depart, the Accounts Department did not make provisions for the trip. He saw me in the office and asked what I was still doing around. I said no money. He took me to his office, scribbled his house address on his memo pad and dispatched me to meet his wife for what he described as little: $200. That was how I made the trip. He dipped his hands into his pocket on other occasions too.

Indeed, we were so close that I couldn’t tell him the truth when I was leaving for PUNCH. Though when I initially resigned, it was to do something else outside of journalism, but by the time he called me, Azu Ishiekewene had ensured I couldn’t run away from the job he offered me on the Saturday Desk of PUNCH. So when he called me to ask what my plan was, I told him: I wanted to go manage the companies my father, who died a few weeks before I turned in my resignation letter, left behind. Indeed, the late Commissioner of Police, CP David Ayodeji Sunday Oladipo, left three companies for me and my older ones to manage: Three boys who were still in school.

After I left Newswatch, I kept in touch with him and others. We still meet in places he delivered lectures, at functions of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and others. And the meeting had always been warm.

For the relationship we shared, I am going to break my second avoidance when closely loved ones die: I will be at his funeral.

A good man has gone. A mentor of mentors. A columnist who couldn’t be ignored. And a news man par excellence. He packed all and more. He was a man that couldn’t be ignored.

Rest in peace, Sir.

*Oladipo is the Managing Editor and CEO of Premium Eagle Media Limited, owners of The Eagle Online and The Eagle Online Nigeria YouTube channel.

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The veteran journalist, media icon, celebrated columnist, and accomplished author passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, in a brief illness.

He was 81.

Mr Agbese brought uncommon integrity, clarity of thought, and an unwavering devotion to ethical journalism.

His death is a profound loss to the Nigerian media fraternity and to the nation he chronicled with such honesty and insight.

Mr Agbese was widely recognised as a journalist of extraordinary depth.

He was a co-founder of the iconic Newswatch, alongside the late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed.

Across a distinguished career, he exemplified investigative rigour, analytical precision, and courageous commentary.

His “no holds barred” column in Newswatch and his many interventions in national newspapers were compulsory reading for policymakers, scholars, and citizens seeking clarity in turbulent times.

His prose carried the weight of scholarship and the soul of a patriot determined to hold power accountable.

Beyond journalism, he was a prolific author and biographer.

His seminal works, including “The Letterman: Inside the ‘Secret’ Letters of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida: The Military, Politics and Power in Nigeria,” remain classics of contemporary Nigerian political history.

His recent co-authored book, “The President Is Not Sick,” reaffirmed his place as one of the nation’s keenest chroniclers.

Reflecting on the loss, the President of GOCOP, Danlami Nmodu, said, “Dan Agbese was a journalistic institution. His passing leaves a void that feels impossible to fill. He was a mentor to many of us, and a firm believer in a free and responsible press. We have indeed lost a giant.”

The General Secretary of GOCOP, Mr Sufuyan Ojeifo, added, “Dan Agbese’s life was journalism in its purest form. He practised with conscience, courage, and an unshakeable commitment to truth. His wisdom and presence will be deeply missed.”

Mr Agbese leaves behind a legacy of fearless truth telling, intellectual excellence, and an abiding faith in Nigeria’s promise.

He mentored generations of journalists who continue to shape the media landscape he helped build.

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work.

May God Almighty grant him eternal rest and grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

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Agbese died on Monday at the age of 81.

A statement by Prof Anthony Kila, the league’s Secretary- General, said Agbese was an exceptional journalist, insightful columnist, and one of Nigeria’s most respected public voices.

Kila said his departure marked the end of an era defined by integrity, clear thought, and professional courage within Nigerian journalism.

He noted that Agbese was more than a reporter or editor, describing him as a guardian of public trust and a model of ethical responsibility.

He added that as Newswatch co-founder and influential columnist, he shaped national conversations with wisdom, calm authority, and dedication to truth.

According to him, Agbese’s analytical depth, graceful prose, and disciplined judgment set standards future writers continue to admire and emulate.

He said Agbese stood as a beacon of excellence among Nigerian columnists, writing without malice and debating issues without bitterness or theatrics.

Kila noted that Agbese held power to account with quiet courage, showing that conviction can be firm without noise or unnecessary aggression.

He added that he embodied commentary rooted in knowledge and integrity, helping illuminate society and strengthen democratic values.

He described him as both a towering figure and a moral compass within the community of Nigerian columnists.

Agbese received the League’s highest honour ‘LNC Fellowship’ in 2021 for his outstanding contribution to public discourse.

Kila said the legacy of the late columnist underscored responsible writing, intellectual honesty, and a commitment to the public good.

He added that in a polarised media environment, Agbese’s example reminded writers of the dignity that should accompany the written word.

The league’s Secretary-General extended the group’s condolences to Agbese’s family, colleagues, friends, and admirers, noting journalism had lost one of its brightest voices.

He added that Nigeria had lost a thoughtful commentator, while columnists had lost a mentor and one of their most distinguished members.

He said the league honoured Agbese for a life devoted to truth, professionalism, and the pursuit of a more just society.

Kila also expressed the hope that his memory would continue to inspire future writers and guide principled commentary.

Source: NAN

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The post Nigerian columnists mourns Dan Agbese appeared first on Frontpageng.

Veteran journalist and one of the founders of Nigeria’s first weekly news magazine, Newswatch, Yakubu Mohammed, has said the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986 had nothing to do with the late Gloria Okon.

Mohammed, who co-founded Newswatch with Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese in 1984, said this in his memoir, “Beyond Expectations.”

Giwa, one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant journalists, was assassinated on October 19, 1986, after a parcel bomb was delivered to his house in Lagos.

After the incident, the rumour mill was agog with the conspiracy theory that Giwa had a scoop on Okon who had been arrested at the Aminu Kano Airport for trafficking in drugs.

The said Okon was later reported dead by the authorities.

The rumour, however, persisted that she had been released secretly and was living large in London.

Mohammed wrote: “Was Dele Giwa doing a story on Gloria Okon? And did he interview her in London and the tapes of the interview along with pictures brought to Lagos by Kayode (Soyinka)?

“In discussing these theories, I am mindful of the fact that I am accountable to only God, my creator.”

He stressed that the magazine was not planning to do any story on Okon.

“Not by any of our reporters, not by any of the editors and not by any of the directors – Dele, Ray, Dan and Yakubu,” he said.

According to him, the Okon story idea was suggested by Bose Lasaki, a relatively new member of staff who was determined to learn the ropes, only to discover that it was a ruse.

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“One day at the general editorial conference, she said she had a story idea.

“She muttered some words to the effect that there was a rumour that the drug courier that was arrested in Kano and reported dead did not die.

“Her colleagues laughed at her suggestion and she appeared visibly embarrassed.

“Dan who conducted the meeting advised her to do more work on the idea.

“When she reported back the following week, she admitted that there was nothing to the story. And that was the end of the story,” he said.

Mohammed said that Giwa and Ekpu were not in any of the editorial meetings and knew nothing about the Okon “fable.”

According to him, until the tragic death of Giwa, nobody heard anything again about Okon.

“But she came alive as possible reason why Dele Giwa was killed.

“Dele was said to have travelled to London some weeks before his death and interviewed Gloria Okon.

“The fact is that Dele Giwa did not meet any Gloria Okon on the trip in question.

“I know this for sure because I travelled with him to London,” he said.

Source: NAN

The post Dele Giwa’s assassination had nothing to do with Gloria Okon -Yakubu Muhammed appeared first on Frontpageng.

Veteran journalist, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed, has said that an unexplainable friction between late Chief MKO Abiola, the publisher of the defunct National Concord, and late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and himself led to founding of Nigeria’s first weekly news magazine, Newswatch.

Mohammed, who together with Giwa, Ekpu and Dan Agbese founded Newswatch in 1984, said made this known in his memoir, “Beyond Expectations.”

He was the Editor of National Concord while Giwa was the Editor of Sunday Concord.

Ekpu was a member of the Editorial Board of the newspaper while Agbese was the Editor of the New Nigerian Newspaper.

According to Mohammed, Giwa’s famed iconoclastic journalism inevitably became a source of friction in his apparently cosy relationship with Abiola.

He wrote: “But was that the only source of friction? It was difficult for me to pinpoint what it was.

“All I can recall now was that there was a cold relationship.”

He recounted how the trio formed a team whose visibility and professional contribution was a positive development for National Concord.

“Out of office, we sometimes moved together and attended social events together.

“We became poster boys for the improved public image of Concord.

“That was when the famous Candido column of the New Nigerian referred to the trio of Dele, Ray and Yakubu as Benzy journalists wearing Gucci shoes,” he said.

Mohammed also said that an in-house fashion competition created by a staff writer, late May Ellen Ezekiel, MEE, also exacerbated the frosty relationship between Giwa and Abiola.

“While learning the ropes at Concord, she (MEE) introduced an occasional competition for best dressed men.

“It was open to the readers who usually voted for men who showed class and displayed sartorial taste.

“One of the installments grouped MKO and Dele together and Dele was rated higher than MKO.

“What the editor and his staff did was in bad taste. It was like committing incest.

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“Why would you feature anybody connected with the newspaper in a contest it was organising? And of all persons, the editor and his publisher.

“This bad judgment did not sound funny to MKO who literally stormed my office to say that Dele’s cup was full,” Mohammed said.

He said that the three of them were later queried by Abiola for an exclusive interview they had with Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the then military Head of State, in January 1984.

According to him, rather than a commendation from Abiola for the scoop, the three editors got “cold shoulders.”

“Unknown to us, the new military regime had fenced him off and the duo of Buhari and Idiagbon were not relating with him.

“When we returned from the interview and told the publisher of the warm reception General Buhari gave us, he was rather glum,” he said.

Mohammed said that Abiola was later pushed by some vested interests to issue the trio a query, preceded by an anonymous letter describing them as “stranger elements.”

He said that the unending friction motivated them to start seeking investors for a weekly news magazine to be fashioned after Time and Newsweek magazines.

He listed some of the early investors in the Newswatch project to include businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Bilyaminu Yusuf, late Chief Alex Akinyele, Nuhu Aruwa, Ime Umanah, Abdulaziz Ude and Mike Adenuga among others.

Source: NAN

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