Veteran journalist, Newswatch co-founder Yakubu Mohammed dies at 75
Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, has died at the age of 75. The veteran journalist passed away late Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness, authorities and media reports confirmed.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State officially confirmed his death, describing Mohammed as “not only a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria, but also a proud son of Kogi State” who made enduring contributions to nation-building both inside and outside the media.
Born on April 4, 1950, in Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mohammed’s career spanned more than five decades, marked by fearless reporting and a steadfast commitment to editorial integrity.
Mohammed rose to prominence through his work at major national newspapers—beginning as Associate Editor and later Managing Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers, and subsequently serving as Deputy Editor and Editor at National Concord. In 1984, he left to co-found Newswatch Magazine alongside Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu—an outlet that would become a defining voice of investigative journalism in Nigeria’s turbulent military era.
At Newswatch, he served in key editorial and leadership roles, including Executive Editor, Managing Editor (1986–1994), and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Communications Limited from 1994.
His death comes barely two months after the passing of fellow co-founder Dan Agbese, underscoring the fading of the generation that transformed Nigerian media in the 1980s and 1990s.
In November 2025, Mohammed released his memoir Beyond Expectations, chronicling his life, the evolution of Newswatch, and pivotal moments in Nigeria’s media history, including the 1986 assassination of founding editor Dele Giwa.
Reactions From Across the Nation
The news of Mohammed’s passing triggered tributes from leaders and media professionals nationwide:
• President Bola Tinubu mourned Mohammed as a “veteran journalist” whose career was devoted to speaking truth to power and advancing democratic accountability. Tinubu also noted Mohammed’s personal friendship and leadership in sustaining Newswatch after Giwa’s death.
• Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the loss as “colossal,” highlighting Mohammed’s role as a mentor and role model whose dedication shaped generations of Nigerian journalists.
• Information Minister Mohammed Idris hailed him as a “true patriot” and an icon of ethical, investigative reporting whose influence will continue to inspire.
Legacy and Public Service
Beyond journalism, Yakubu Mohammed served in public service and academia. He was Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later became its Chancellor—positions through which he contributed to national educational development.
Governor Ododo prayed for divine comfort for Mohammed’s family and all those mourning his loss, acknowledging the late journalist as a bridge-builder, mentor, and a “voice of conscience in national affairs.”
Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed is survived by his family and a legacy that helped define modern journalism in Nigeria.
