Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark; the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have expressed grief over the death of veteran editor and media icon, Dan Agbese.
Mark, in a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, described Agbese’s passing as a personal loss, noting that he had lost “a brother and a pathfinder of enormous value.” He said the Nigerian media community had been thrown into mourning following the death of “one of its finest professionals,” describing the late editor as a national asset whose integrity, courage, and commitment to truth shaped public discourse for decades. Mark extended condolences to Agbese’s family and the media fraternity, urging journalists to uphold the values he championed.
In his own tribute, Peter Obi praised Agbese as a remarkable journalist, consummate columnist, and passionate advocate for a better Nigeria. Obi said Agbese consistently used his pen to highlight national challenges and inspire hope for renewal. He recalled the late editor’s mentorship of younger journalists as well as his support during the 2023 electioneering period, describing his death as a huge loss to the nation. Obi prayed for comfort for Agbese’s family, colleagues, friends, and all who were influenced by his work.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Agbese’s death as shocking. He said the veteran editor, whom he called “one of the doyens of magazine publishing in Nigeria,” would leave a significant void in the country’s media landscape. Atiku recalled Agbese as a good friend who had offered him professional media guidance at different times. He prayed that God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family and mentees the strength to bear the loss.
Agbese, a founding member of Newswatch magazine, was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected editorial minds.
, Senator David Mark; the 2023 Labour Party){kind=link}