News
Yakubu Mohammed, Newswatch Co-Founder, Dies at 75
Veteran journalist and co-founder of the defunct Newswatch magazine, Yakubu Mohammed, has passed away at the age of 75.
His death comes barely two months after the loss of another Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025. Mohammed had recently launched his memoir, Beyond Expectations, on November 4, 2025, and was said to have battled a prolonged illness before his passing. As of press time, the family was yet to issue an official statement.
President Bola Tinubu has led tributes to the late media icon, describing him as a fearless journalist whose life and career were devoted to truth, public service, and nation-building. In a condolence message, the President expressed sympathy to Mohammed’s family, the people and government of Kogi State, and the Nigerian media community.
Mohammed co-founded Newswatch in 1984 alongside Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu, helping to shape an era of bold investigative journalism during Nigeria’s years of military rule. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said Mohammed’s more than five-decade journalism career was defined by courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power, often at great personal risk.
The President, who described Mohammed as a personal friend, recalled his resolve in sustaining the Newswatch vision after the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986, a period that severely tested the leadership and resilience of the magazine. He also noted that Mohammed’s memoir offered deep reflections on leadership and the enduring responsibility of the press in shaping national conscience.
Beyond journalism, Mohammed served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His media career included roles as associate editor at New Nigerian Newspapers (1976–1980), deputy editor and editor at National Concord (1980–1984), and executive editor of Newswatch.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Mohammed’s soul and urged journalists to uphold the values of courage, professionalism, and excellence that defined his life and work.
NGE, Ododo mourn
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) also expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese, describing them as irreplaceable pillars of Nigerian journalism. In a statement signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the guild said Nigeria had lost two iconic voices whose commitment to press freedom, investigative reporting, and democratic values inspired generations.
The NGE called on journalists nationwide to dedicate a day to reflection and recommitment to the core principles of journalism, including truth, accuracy, fairness, independence, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Similarly, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, mourned Mohammed, describing him as a pioneer of modern investigative journalism and a proud son of the state from Dekina Local Government Area. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, the governor said Mohammed’s contributions to national development extended beyond the media, noting his record of public service and mentorship.
Governor Ododo highlighted Mohammed’s role in redefining professionalism and editorial independence through Newswatch, calling his legacy a turning point in Nigeria’s media history. He also acknowledged Mohammed’s service as Pro-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University and his commitment to the development of Kogi State.
Yakubu Mohammed was born on April 4, 1950, in Ologba, Dekina LGA of Kogi State. He attended St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba; Government Secondary School, Okene; the University of Lagos; and the Glasgow College of Technology in Scotland. He was a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association.
He is remembered as a bridge-builder, mentor, and conscience of the nation whose legacy continues to define Nigerian journalism.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.