Lede: Yakubu Mohammed, the 75-year-old co-founder of the defunct Newswatch magazine and a leading figure in Nigerian journalism, has died after a prolonged illness, according to reports from TheCable.
- Age: 75 (born April 4, 1950)
- Claim to fame: Co-founder and former Managing Editor of Newswatch
- Cause reported: Prolonged illness
- Origin: Ologba, Dekina LGA, Kogi State
- Family statement: No official family announcement at time of filing
The Legacy
Yakubu Mohammed helped shape modern Nigerian journalism. His top achievements include:
- Co-founding Newswatch: As a founding voice of Newswatch, Mohammed helped establish one of Nigeria’s most influential newsweeklies, known for investigative reporting and shaping public debate.
- Editorial leadership: Served as Managing Editor of Newswatch from 1986 to 1994 and later as Deputy CEO of Newswatch Communications Limited, guiding editorial direction during pivotal years.
- Academic stewardship: Extended his public service to academia as Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, reinforcing media–education ties.
Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes
News of Mohammed’s death prompted immediate reaction across Nigerian media and social platforms. Colleagues, journalists and former students paid tribute to his mentorship and commitment to press freedom. Veteran reporters noted his role in training a generation of Nigerian journalists; social media posts highlighted his calm leadership during turbulent editorial periods.
Coverage from outlets including TheCable noted Mohammed’s prolonged illness and confirmed his passing. Observers also remembered that this loss follows the death of fellow Newswatch co-founder Dan Agbese in November, deepening a moment of mourning for Nigeria’s press community. As of this report the family had not issued an official statement and funeral arrangements had not been released.
For continuing updates on Yakubu Mohammed’s funeral plans and formal tributes, stay tuned to this page.
Image Referance: https://royalnews.com.ng/newswatch-pioneer-yakubu-mohammed-passes-away-at-75/