Ododo mourns Newswatch co-founder, Yakubu Mohammed 

A co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Mr Yakubu Mohammed, has died at the age of 75.

The veteran journalist passed away in Lagos on Tuesday.

A source close to the family said Mohammed died from complications related to diabetes, which he had battled for several years.

“He had been managing diabetes for a long time. He died on Tuesday in Lagos. The family will issue a formal statement in due course,” the source said.

Mohammed was born on April 4, 1950, and hailed from Ologba, a settlement about 15 kilometres from Anyigba in Dekina Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.

He launched his memoir, “Beyond Expectations”, on November 4, 2025.

In 1984, Mohammed, alongside his colleagues Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese, co-founded Newswatch Magazine, Nigeria’s first major newsweekly, which was officially launched in 1985. His professional career also included meritorious service at New Nigerian newspapers and National Concord before the establishment of Newswatch.

He was a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association and the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Mohammed also served as Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The late journalist held a B.Sc. degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and attended Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland, United Kingdom. His early education included St Joseph’s Primary School, Anyigba, and Government Secondary School, Okene, both in Kogi State.

He is survived by his widow and children.

Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Mohammed family and the NUJ over the loss.

The governor described the late journalist as a pioneer of modern investigative journalism and a proud son of Kogi State whose contributions to nation-building went beyond the media.

“As a co-founder of the iconic Newswatch magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed 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.

“His love for Kogi State was evident in his commitment to its growth and his willingness to serve in different capacities. He was a bridge-builder, a mentor to many and a voice of conscience in national affairs.

“Mohammed’s role in the establishment of Newswatch in the mid-1980s, alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s media history, setting enduring standards for investigative reporting and editorial independence”, governor Ododo said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest and comforts his family and associates.

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