Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has confirmed the death of elder statesman and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, who passed away at the age of 75.
Mohammed, a native of Ologba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, was born on April 4, 1950, and died late Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness. His death comes just two months after the passing of fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025, at the age of 81.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, Ododo expressed heartfelt condolences to Mohammed’s family and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The governor described the late journalist as “not only a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria, but also a proud son of Kogi State 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. He was a man whose influence shaped public discourse and strengthened accountability in a democracy,” Ododo said.
He noted that Mohammed’s role in establishing Newswatch in the mid-1980s, alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese, marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s media history. “His work in setting enduring standards for investigative reporting and editorial independence remains one of his most lasting legacies,” the governor added.
Ododo also highlighted Mohammed’s 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 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 said.
The governor prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul eternal rest and comfort his family and all who mourn his loss.
Mohammed co-founded Newswatch in 1984 with Dan Agbese, Ray Ekpu, and Dele Giwa. The magazine quickly became a leading platform for investigative journalism during Nigeria’s military era.
A frontline journalist, writer, editor, and administrator, Mohammed earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 1975 and a postgraduate diploma in management and public administration from the Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland, in 1979.
He worked in various editorial roles at New Nigerian and National Concord before resigning in 1984 to co-found Newswatch, where he served in multiple editorial and administrative capacities for nearly three decades. He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from 2005 to 2007.
