Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has confirmed the death of elder statesman and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, who passed away at the age of 75.
Mohammed, a native of Ologba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, was born on April 4, 1950, and died late Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness. His death comes barely two months after the passing of fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025, at the age of 81.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo expressed deep condolences to Mohammed’s family and the Nigerian Union of Journalists. He described the late journalist as a towering figure in Nigerian media and a proud son of Kogi State whose impact went beyond journalism.
“Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed was not only a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria, but also a bridge-builder, mentor and voice of conscience whose contributions to nation-building transcended the media space,” the governor said.
Ododo noted that Mohammed’s role in founding Newswatch in the mid-1980s alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese marked a defining moment in Nigeria’s media history. He said the magazine set enduring standards for investigative reporting, courage and editorial independence, especially during the military era.
The governor also highlighted Mohammed’s public service record, including his tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as well as his commitment to the development of Kogi State.
Mohammed co-founded Newswatch in 1984 after working with New Nigerian and National Concord. He was a seasoned journalist, editor, writer and administrator, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and a postgraduate diploma from the Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland.
Governor Ododo prayed that Allah grant the departed soul eternal rest and comfort all those mourning his loss.
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