President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Yakubu Mohammed, a veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, describing his passing as a profound loss to Nigerian journalism and nation-building.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday, President Tinubu said Mohammed devoted his life to “telling the truth to power,” often at great personal risk, particularly during the military era when investigative journalism came at a heavy cost.
The President recalled that Mohammed founded Newswatch in 1984 alongside Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese and Ray Ekpu, a partnership that redefined investigative reporting in Nigeria. Tinubu noted that the magazine became a symbol of courage and professionalism, especially after the assassination of Giwa in 1986.
“Yakubu Mohammed and his colleagues showed uncommon resolve by sustaining the visionary legacy of Newswatch after the tragic death of Dele Giwa,” the President said, adding that their determination “pushed the boundaries of investigative journalism in Nigeria and inspired generations of reporters.”
Describing the late journalist as a personal friend, Tinubu commiserated with Mohammed’s family, the government and people of Kogi State, as well as professional bodies including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association.
The President also highlighted Mohammed’s recent memoir, Beyond Expectations, published in November 2025, saying the book offered “an opportunity for deep reflection on leadership in Nigeria and the responsibility of the press.”
Beyond journalism, Mohammed served in academia, including as Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University.
He previously held senior editorial positions at New Nigerian Newspapers and National Concord.
President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God would grant the departed eternal rest and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.
