City, Lagos – Chai! Na big loss we dey feel today as one of Naija’s best journalists, Dan Agbese, don cross to the other side. E pass away dis Monday morning, November 17, 2025, and e dey 81 years old. Family talk say na sharp guy wey get plenty wisdom and sharp pen wey don dey shape journalism for Naija.
According to the statement wey come from Agbese family for Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district, dem confirm say, “We hereby announce the passing away of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.” This one no be the type of news wey person go wan hear, abeg!
Born on May 12, 1944, for Agila, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Chief Agbese na true legend for journalism. E don dey drop hot topics for Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and even manage Radio Benue, Makurdi. Na im sef be one of the founders of Newswatch magazine wey don change the game for investigative reporting.
Dem talk say this man carry serious talent, edit plenty important newspapers and get sharp satirical columns wey always dey make people reason deep. Even as e gree rest from the front line for journalism, e still dey hustle every week to drop hot takes for Daily Trust and The Guardian.
Remember say hin no just dey write for fun. E build serious connections with big names like Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed, and Soji Akinrinade. Together, dem dey push the media industry go higher, wetin we no dey see for Naija sha!
As e don waka go, Agbese dey leave behind his beloved wife, Chief Rose Agbese, six children wey go carry im legacy for front, and seven grandchildren wey go still hear papa story. Burial arrangements go soon drop as family dey prepare everything. For now, make we just raise glass for this wonderful man wey don inspire plenty hearths and pen for Nigeria.
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