Ododo Pays Tribute to Newswatch Co-Founder Yakubu Mohammed

Mr. Yakubu Mohammed, known for co-founding Newswatch Magazine, has died at the age of 75.

The esteemed journalist breathed his last in Lagos on Tuesday.

A family insider revealed that Mohammed's death was due to complications arising from diabetes, a condition he had faced for many years.

"He had been managing diabetes for a long time. He passed away on Tuesday in Lagos. The family will release a formal statement at an appropriate time," the insider stated.

Mohammed was born on April 4, 1950, and was originally from Ologba, located roughly 15 kilometres from Anyigba in Kogi State.

He unveiled his memoir, titled "Beyond Expectations," on November 4, 2025.

In 1984, alongside fellow journalists Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese, he co-founded Newswatch Magazine, which became Nigeria’s pioneering major newsweekly, officially launching in 1985. Before Newswatch, he served diligently at the New Nigerian newspapers and National Concord.

He was an active member of several journalist organizations, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Additionally, he served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, situated in Kaduna State.

The late Mr. Mohammed possessed a B.Sc. degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and furthered his studies at the Glasgow College of Technology in Scotland. His early schooling took place at St. Joseph’s Primary School in Anyigba and the Government Secondary School in Okene, both located in Kogi State.

He is survived by his wife and children.

In response to the loss, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo extended his heartfelt sympathies to Mohammed’s family and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The governor honored the late journalist, referring to him as a trailblazer in modern investigative journalism and a dedicated son of Kogi State, whose contributions greatly surpassed the media landscape.

"As a co-founder of the groundbreaking Newswatch magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed was part of a unique era of journalists who redefined courage, professionalism, and integrity within Nigerian journalism. His influence greatly shaped public discourse and reinforced accountability within our democracy.

"His devotion to Kogi State was clear through his efforts towards its development and his readiness to serve in various roles. He was a mentor to numerous individuals and a conscience in national matters.

"Mohammed’s involvement in the founding of Newswatch in the mid-1980s, along with Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese, represented a significant milestone in the history of Nigeria’s media, establishing lasting standards for investigative reporting and editorial independence,” Governor Ododo remarked in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah.

He requested that the Almighty Allah grant the deceased eternal peace and provide solace to his family and associates.