A veteran Journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Mr Yakubu Mohammed is dead.
Aged 75, Mohammed who hailed from Ologba community in Dekina Local Government, Kogi State, died late Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness.
Mohammed, who held a bachelor’s degree in science, was born on April 4, 1950
He attended St Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba, in 1964; Government Secondary School, Okene, between 1965 and 1969; the University of Lagos from 1972 to 1975; and Glasgow College of Technology in Scotland between 1978 and 1979.
Mohammed’s death is coming about two months after the passing of another Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025.
Recalled that Mohammed on November 4, 2025 publicly launched his memoir, ‘Beyond Expectations’
His journalism career included stints as associate editor at New Nigerian Newspapers from 1976 to 1980, Managing Editor of the same organisation in 1980, and deputy editor at National Concord between 1980 and 1982.
Mohammed later served as editor of National Concord from 1982 to 1984 before becoming co-founder and executive editor of Newswatch between 1984 and 1986.
He was Managing Editor of Newswatch from 1986 to 1994 and subsequently served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Communications Limited from 1994.
Mohammed was also a director at Yadara Nigeria Limited and Lastop Limited.
He was a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
The veteran journalist also served as pro-chancellor and chancellor of the governing council of Ahmadu Bello University.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and the Nigerian Union of Journalists over the passing of elder statesman.
The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah said the late veteran journalist was not only a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria, but also a proud son of Kogi State from 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.
Governor 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.
The Governor 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.
Governor Ododo prayed that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul eternal rest and comforts the family and others who mourn his loss. (vitalnewsngr.com)
