Veteran Journalist, Chief Dan Agbese, dies at 81

The Agbese family of the Ikpilogwu clan in Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, has announced the passing of renowned journalist, author, and media icon, Chief Dan Agbese. He died on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 81.

Chief Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila, was celebrated for his immense contributions to Nigerian journalism, particularly through his influential satirical writings and decades-long leadership in the media industry.

Born on May 12, 1944, in Agila, he built a distinguished career that spanned print and broadcast journalism. He served as editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and later became General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.

A pioneering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape, Chief Agbese co-founded the groundbreaking Newswatch magazine, where he served as Editor-in-Chief until April 2010. He authored several books and continued to write weekly columns for major national newspapers, including Daily Trust and The Guardian. He also ran a media consultancy alongside his long-time colleagues and friends Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed, and Soji Akinrinade.

The family said burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Chief Agbese is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children, and seven grandchildren.

The statement was signed by Okibe Agbese on behalf of the family.