*The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by remarkable life and works of late Chief Dan Agbese, media icon and one of enduring titans of Nigerian journalism

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has mourned the passing of Chief Dan Agbese, one of enduring titans of Nigerian journalism.

The Guild extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and works.

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Agbese, a veteran journalist, media icon, celebrated columnist, and accomplished author, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025, after a brief illness at age 81.

The media icon brought uncommon integrity, clarity of thought, and an unwavering devotion to ethical journalism in the country.

GOCOP said Agbese’s death was a profound loss to the Nigerian media fraternity and to the country he chronicled with such honesty and insight.

He was widely recognised as a journalist of extraordinary depth.

The deceased was a Co-founder of the iconic Newswatch, alongside late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Yakubu Mohammed.

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Across a distinguished career, he exemplified investigative rigour, analytical precision, and courageous commentary.

His 鈥渘o holds barred鈥� column in Newswatch and his many interventions in national newspapers were compulsory reading for policymakers, scholars, and citizens seeking clarity in turbulent times.

Agbese’s prose carried the weight of scholarship and the soul of a patriot determined to hold power accountable.

The Guild also noted that beyond journalism, he was a prolific author and biographer.

The late media icon’s seminal works, including “The Letterman: Inside the 鈥楽ecret鈥� Letters of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and “Ibrahim Babangida: The Military, Politics and Power in Nigeria”, remain classics of contemporary Nigerian political history.

Agbese’s recent co-authored book, “The President Is Not Sick”, reaffirmed his place as one of the nation鈥檚 keenest chroniclers, stated GOCOP.

Sufuyan Ojeifo, General Secretary of GOCOP, who said this Wednesday, November 19, 2025, stated while reflecting on the loss, Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni, President of the Guild, also said: 鈥淒an Agbese was a journalistic institution. His passing leaves a void that feels impossible to fill.

“He was a mentor to many of us, and firm believer in a free and responsible press. We have, indeed, lost a giant.鈥�

The statement added: 鈥淒an Agbese鈥檚 life was journalism in its purest form.

“He practised with conscience, courage, and an unshakeable commitment to truth.

“His wisdom and presence will be deeply missed.鈥�

Chief Agbese leaves behind a legacy of fearless truth telling, intellectual excellence, and an abiding faith in Nigeria鈥檚 promise.

GOCOP further stated late Agbese mentored generations of journalists, who continue to shape the media landscape he had helped to build.

“May God Almighty grant him eternal rest and grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the stated added.

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