It brings me joy to note that Yakubu Mohammed managed to publish his engaging memoir prior to his passing on Wednesday, January 14. Our last encounter was on August 12 of the previous year when he gifted me an autographed copy of 'Beyond Expectations', his 422-page memoir filled with humor and nuggets of wisdom. This book serves as his testament regarding the fields of journalism and public service, and a guiding light to upcoming generations. In November last year, Dan Agbese, a fellow journalist and major figure in 'Beyond Expectations', passed away. Now, Mohammed has followed suit.
With three of the four founders of Newswatch magazine now deceased, the sole survivor is the resilient Ray Ekpu, a columnist renowned for challenging the Nigerian elite across generations.
Mohammed rose to prominence in his journalistic career early. He earned a degree in Mass Communications from the University of Lagos, graduating at 25 in 1975.
By the year 1980, just a few years after concluding his mandatory national service, he had already ascended to the position of Associate Editor at New Nigerian, one of the most influential newspaper houses in Nigeria. Here, he met Dan Agbese, as the two were colleagues. Agbese and Ray Ekpu, both of whom also graduated from the University of Lagos in 1973, became lifelong friends and collaborators.
This connection ultimately led Mohammed to the Concord Group of Newspapers, established by the formidable businessman, Chief Moshood Abiola. It was at Concord where he crossed paths with Dele Giwa, an American-educated journalist and the pioneering editor of Sunday Concord.
I first encountered Mohammed at the National Concord after completing my NYSC in July 1982. Many of my classmates hesitated to apply to Concord due to its perceived strong bias supporting the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN). As someone who benefitted from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Free Education Programme in the former Western Region, I shared their resentment towards Concord's stance against Awolowo. However, following Abiola's exit from politics and the NPN, the newspaper's approach shifted. My late friend, Olawale Oladepo, then working at Gbolabo Ogunsanwo’s magazine, Nation, encouraged us to apply, claiming, "The paper has changed."
Upon submitting our applications to his secretary, Mohammed invited Oladepo and me into his office. He was warm and engaging, asking us numerous questions, effectively interviewing us without our realizing it. I shared my experiences from Drum Publications and my responsibilities as the Ogun State NYSC Public Relations Officer. He offered both Oladepo and me positions at Concord, with our classmate Ifeanyi Ubabukoh joining us later.
Mohammed was a strong leader. In 1982, he took over from the iconic Dr. Mrs. Doyinsola Abiola as Editor of Concord, during which time circulation significantly increased. He was willing to take risks with inexperienced journalists like us. One memorable occasion involved two representatives from Surulere who informed us that Alhaji Aminu Kano, leader of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, wanted to be interviewed by Concord. At the time, most of the established journalists were out on assignments, leaving only Oladepo and me in the newsroom. With some trepidation, we followed Mohammed’s directive and ended up publishing our first front-page story on that interview with Mallam Aminu Kano. I later became the National Assembly Correspondent before my transfer to Ondo State as Chief Correspondent during the tumultuous 1983 general election.
In November 1984, we followed Mohammed and his colleagues to Newswatch. Our leaders, including Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, and Yakubu Mohammed, exemplified what a first-class news magazine should be. They were supported by remarkable individuals such as Dayo Onibile, Soji Akinrinade, Dele Omotunde, Lawson Omokhodion, Nosa Igiebor, and Kayode Soyinka among others. It was an exceptional team producing a magazine recognized globally for its investigative depth and eloquent language, with Mohammed representing our shared expertise more than anyone else.
A master of prose, Mohammed had a way with words that was characterized by clarity and factual precision. He avoided unnecessary embellishments, preferring instead to present straightforward facts. His approachable nature made it easy for us, fellow members of the Editorial Street, to exchange books, particularly memoirs and biographies. Unafraid to concede a debate if his facts were outweighed, he was a gentleman and a true patriot.
Yet with success came challenges and envy. Mohammed and his colleagues at Newswatch attracted significant attention, often becoming targets for government scrutiny, particularly from the military. Their misfortunes peaked in 1986 when Dele Giwa was killed by a parcel bomb. Following this tragedy, they faced detention, harassment, and constant surveillance by security forces. Once, Ray Ekpu was arrested by security agents at the Calabar airport and forcibly taken to Lagos by land.
These ongoing adversities transformed Yakubu Mohammed and his colleagues into icons of bravery, willing to endure for the sake of Nigeria’s freedom from military governance. I take pride in the fact that he showcased his leadership capabilities during his time as Pro-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
His aspirations to govern Kogi State were thwarted by the complexities of the region. Yakubu Mohammed led a life rich in fulfillment. He was passionate about liberty—not just for himself but for the nation as a whole. Now he is free forever. God has rewarded him with a loving and accomplished family. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Hajia Rabi, and the entire family. May his courageous soul find eternal rest.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!