Garba Shehu, spokesperson to late President Muhammadu Buhari has described Dan Agbese whose death was announced today, November 17, as a first class journalist in Nigeria.
In a tribute to Dan Agbese, who was a co-founder of the famous newswatch magazine in Lagos, Garba Shehu said that Nigerian media has lost one of its brightest names.
The former Presidential spokesperson recalled that the commentary and editorial leadership of the deceased used to draw widespread interest and admiration “because he possessed a deep understanding of both local and international issues, coupled with an enviable knack of humour and incisive commentary.
“He was insightful and humble.”
Garba Shehu said that as Chairman of the Northern Media Forum (NMF), Dan Agbese, who also served ss editor of the New Nigerian newspaper in Kaduna, led with firmness, fairness and candour, “giving us a rare opportunity to interact periodically with him.
“Throughout this period, he remained a curious mind, always seeking to learn, with humility until his last days.
“His demise after a long illness has deprived the media community, nay the nation of a distinct voice which rang from compelling newspaper columns, reaching so many followers over several decades.
“My condolences to his family, colleagues, and many friends.”
Also, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio mourned the erudite columnist.
In a condolence message signed by his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described the passing of Dan Agbese as “a monumental loss to Nigeria’s journalism family and to all who value truth, integrity, and courageous storytelling.”
The Senate President expressed profound sorrow over the departure of “a media icon whose pen never wavered in defence of the public interest.”
He noted that Agbese belonged to a generation of journalists whose work defined an era and set the good standard for ethical, fearless, and professional journalism in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the National Assembly, my family, and the good people I represent, I deeply mourn the loss of Chief Dan Agbese — a distinguished journalist who devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, accountability, and press freedom. His writings shaped national conscience, challenged power, and illuminated the path of democracy. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of journalists yet unborn.”
Senator Akpabio extended his deepest condolences to the Agbese family, his friends, and the entire media community, noting that the void created by his passing will be felt across newsrooms and editorial boards nationwide.
He also commiserated with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), describing this moment as “a shared grief for all who believe in the critical role of journalism in nation-building.”
“May the gentle soul of this titan of the written word rest in perfect peace,” he added, praying that God grants the family and the nation’s media community the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
