One of the four prominent founders of the famous Newswatch Magazine in Lagos, Yakubu Mohammed is dead. He died today, January 14, in Lagos, aged 75, after battling with undisclosed ailment.
Out of the four founders of the Magazine, only Ray Ekpu is now alive. Dele Giwa was murdered through parcel bomb in 1986 while Dan Agbese died last year.
Yakubu Mohammed hailed from Ologba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was a central figure in the founding of Newswatch, Nigeria’s first major newsweekly owned and run by journalists. In 1984, he had friction with the publisher of the National Concord, late M.K.O. Abiola. He was then the Editor of the Concord newspaper.
who spearheaded After the the disagreement with Abiola, he initiated the move to establish an independence magazine, alongside Dele Giwa and Ray Ekpu. He later brought Dan Agbese on board to complete the quartet.
Despite being described as the true catalyst behind the magazine’s creation, Yakubu Mohammed took a back seat in the leadership structure, serving as an Executive Editor and later Managing Editor, while shaping the publication’s fearless editorial direction.
Launched in 1985, Newswatch set new standards for courage and professionalism in Nigerian journalism.
Yakubu Mohammed recently published his memoir, titled,: “Beyond Expectations,” which was publicly presented in Lagos on November 4, 2025. The book offers critical insights into the founding of Newswatch and the tumultuous political environment of the 1980’s.
A significant portion of the book addresses the unresolved 1986 parcel bomb assassination of his co-founder, Dele Giwa.
In the memoir, Yakubu Mohammed directly challenges long-held conspiracy theories, including the infamous “Gloria Okon” narrative.
He clarified the following:
· Newswatch was not working on a story about Gloria Okon.
· Dele Giwa did not travel to London to interview her.
· It was Giwa who called Colonel Haliru Akilu on the morning of his death, not the other way around.
Beyond journalism, Yakubu Mohammed’s legacy includes significant public service.
He served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He was also instrumental in the creation of Kogi State on August 27, 1991, and briefly ventured into politics with an aspiration to govern the state.
Yakubu Mohammed left behind a legacy of integrity, pioneering courage in journalism and dedicated service to his community and country.
He is survived by his family, the media community and a nation.
We at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine in Abuja mourn our senior colleague, and pray to Almighty God to forgive all his shortcomings and admit him in Aljanatu Firdausi, and to grant the loved ones he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.
BRIEF RUNDOWN ON YAKUBU MOHAMMED:
Full Name: Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed
Birth: April 4, 1950
Place of Origin: Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria
Age at Death: 75 years
Date of Death: January 14, 2026
Education and Early Life
Attended St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba (1964).
Secondary education at Government Secondary School, Okene (1965–1969).
Studied Mass Communications at the University of Lagos, graduating with a B.Sc in 1975.
Further studies at the Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland (1978–1979).
Professional Career
Journalism and Media Leadership
New Nigerian Newspapers:
Associate Editor (1976–1980).
Managing Editor (1980).
National Concord Newspaper:
Deputy Editor (1980–1982).
Editor (1982–1984).
Newswatch: Founding and Legacy
In 1984, Yakubu Mohammed co-founded Newswatch magazine alongside:
Dele Giwa
Ray Ekpu
Dan Agbese
Newswatch became one of Nigeria’s most influential weekly news magazines, pioneering investigative journalism, bold reporting, and editorial independence, especially during military rule.
At Newswatch, he served in key roles including:
Executive Editor (1984–1986)
Managing Editor (1986–1994)
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Communications Ltd (from 1994)
He was known for shaping the magazine’s editorial direction and helping maintain its reputation for fearless journalism.
National Update
Memoir and Writings
In October 2025, shortly before his death, Yakubu Mohammed published his memoir, Beyond Expectations, chronicling:
The founding and early struggles of Newswatch.
Insights into Nigeria’s media history.
Personal encounters with national events and figures.
Other Roles & Contributions
Beyond journalism, he had significant roles including:
Director at Yadara Nigeria Limited and Lastop Limited.
Member of professional bodies such as:
Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Commonwealth Journalists’ Association
Nigerian Guild of Editors
He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, contributing to higher education
Personal Profile
Known for his integrity, forthright journalism, and commitment to professional excellence.
His work helped establish a tradition of investigative journalism in Nigeria.
He was also active in political and community engagements, including involvement in Kogi State development.
Place and Influence
Yakubu Mohammed’s roots in Kogi State (Ologba, Dekina) helped shape his worldview and community service orientation, making him a respected figure both in the media world and his home region.
By Yusuf Nuhu
