Tinubu, Mark, Sanwo-Olu, Ododo, Idris Mourn Mohammed, Newswatch Co-founder

*NGE too

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, joined prominent Nigerians to extend heartfelt condolences to the family of veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, who died on Monday night.Other Nigerians who also mourned the deceased included former Senate President, David Mark; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Kogi State counterpart, Usman Ododo; the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.Mohammed, alongside late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu, founded Newswatch Magazine in 1984, inspiring the era of fearless investigative journalism in Nigeria during the military era.Mohammed served as pro-chancellor and chancellor of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University. He was also Associate Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers (1976-1980), Deputy Editor and Editor of National Concord (1980-1984) before the founding of Newswatch.The president, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association, and other media institutions, public and private, where the late Mohammed had provided leadership.Tinubu affirmed that Mohammed’s career in journalism, spanning over 50 years, was devoted to nation-building, with the journalist placing his life on the line to tell the truth to power.He noted the dedication of Mohammed, whom he called a personal friend, and his colleagues in sustaining the visionary legacy of Newswatch Magazine after the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986, further confirming their resolve and courage in pushing the boundaries of investigative journalism in Nigeria.Tinubu believed that Mohammed’s publication of his memoirs, “Beyond Expectations,” in November 2025, provided an opportunity for soul-searching and deep reflection on leadership in Nigeria and the role of journalists.He prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

David MarkThe National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr. Yakubu Mohammed.In a condolence message, Mark described the late Yakubu Mohammed as a distinguished journalist, a pioneering media professional and a courageous voice, who contributed immensely to the growth and credibility of investigative journalism in Nigeria.According to him, Yakubu Mohammed belonged to a rare generation of journalists whose commitment to truth, fairness and professionalism helped shape modern Nigerian journalism and strengthened the nation’s democratic culture.“Yakubu Mohammed was not just a journalist, but an institution. As founding Editor of Newswatch magazine, he played a historic role in redefining investigative reporting and setting high standards for the media profession in Nigeria. His courage, integrity and dedication to the truth will remain a reference point for generations to come,” Senator Mark said.He noted that Nigeria has lost a media icon whose pen was guided by patriotism and a deep sense of responsibility to society.

Babajide Sanwo-OluLagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of Yakubu Mohammed, as a colossal loss to the media industry in Nigeria.Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said the death of the journalist was painful and heartbreaking, saying his rich experience and knowledge would be sorely missed.“The death of former Managing Editor of Newswatch and ex-Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Communications Limited, Yakubu Mohammed, is a great loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria, his family and friends. The journalism icon, who was a role model to many media practitioners in Nigeria, would be greatly missed.“Yakubu Mohammed was a bold, courageous and uncompromising journalist, editor, columnist and publisher who spent his lifetime to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.“He was a role model to many journalists in Nigeria, having nurtured and provided platforms for media practitioners who have become leading voices in the noble profession and leaders in different sectors.“On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I sympathise with Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, the Mohammed family and the people of Ologba in the Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State over the demise of the veteran journalist.“I also commiserate with the deceased’s friends, colleagues, and the media industry in Nigeria over the passing of the accomplished journalist. I pray that God will grant Yakubu Mohammed eternal rest and those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Usman OdodoKogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has commiserated with the family and people of Dekina Local government area of the state over the demise of Yakubu Mohammed, after brief illness.This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, saying the late veteran journalist was not only a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria.The governor also described the writer as a proud son of Kogi State from Ologba in Dekina local government area whose contributions to nation-building transcended the media space.“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,” he said.Ododo noted that 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.He further acknowledged his distinguished record of public service, including his tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as well as his invaluable contributions to the development of Kogi State.“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,” he added.

Mohammed IdrisMinister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the passing of Yakubu Mohammed as a huge loss to the Nigerian media.The minister stated this yesterday in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media) Rabiu Ibrahim, on the death of the media titan.The minister said the deceased devoted over five decades of his life to advancing ethical reporting and investigative journalism, and telling the truth to power, even during the dark days of the military junta.“Late Yakubu Mohammed stood tall as an icon of media practice, pioneering a new era and establishing the institution of investigative journalism in Nigeria, which has become the watchdog of public service and governance in our constitutional democracy.“Alongside his co-founders at Newswatch, their footprints and accomplishments have continued to inspire younger generations to not only pick up their pens but also drive socio-political change in society through their inks,” Idris stated.He further described Yakubu as a true patriot who believed in Nigeria, a brave heart who showed courage in the face of fear, and a change maker who used his intellect to advance greater public good, particularly during his stint as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Nigerian Guild of EditorsThe Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has said it was saddened by the passing of two distinguished and outstanding journalists, Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese.NGE, in a statement by its president, Eze Anaba, said, “By the death of Mohammed and Agbese, who were among the three surviving co-founders of Newswatch Magazine, Nigerian journalism has lost great and irreplaceable treasures.“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.“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. 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.