President Bola Tinubu has lauded the late Yakubu Mohammed, a seasoned journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, who passed away on Monday night.
In his condolence message, the President conveyed his sympathies to Mohammed’s family, as well as the government and people of Kogi State and members of the Nigerian media, describing the deceased as a courageous professional whose life was dedicated to truth, public service, and nation-building.
Mohammed jointly established Newswatch in 1984 with the late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu, playing a key role in shaping a bold tradition of investigative journalism during Nigeria’s years under military rule.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu noted that Mohammed’s journalism career spanned over five decades and was distinguished by exceptional courage and professional integrity, as he frequently risked his safety to speak truth to power.
The President, who said Mohammed was a close personal friend, recalled his unwavering determination to sustain the Newswatch vision following the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986, a challenging period that severely tested the leadership and resilience of the magazine.
He further remarked that Mohammed’s memoir, Beyond Expectations, published in November 2025, provided deep insights into leadership in Nigeria and highlighted the enduring duty of journalists in shaping the nation’s conscience.
Outside journalism, Yakubu Mohammed also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University.
His distinguished career included roles as Associate Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers between 1976 and 1980, as well as Deputy Editor and Editor of National Concord from 1980 to 1984.
President Tinubu prayed to God to grant the departed eternal rest and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus, while calling on media practitioners to uphold the values of courage, patriotism, and excellence that defined Yakubu Mohammed’s life and legacy.