Sanwo-Olu laments as Newswatch co-founder Yakubu Mohammed dies at 75

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of renowned journalist and one of the founders of Newswatch Magazine, Yakubu Mohammed, as a colossal loss to the media industry in Nigeria.

Recall that Yakubu Mohammed, a one-time pro-chancellor and chancellor of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, died on Tuesday at the age of 75.

He was a well-celebrated journalist, author, columnist, and publisher.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, had earlier confirmed the death of the elder statesman.

His death comes about two months after the passing of fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025, at the age of 81.

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said the death of the renowned journalist is painful and heart-breaking, adding that the rich experience and knowledge of Yakubu Mohammed will be sorely missed.

He said, “The death of former Managing Editor of Newswatch and ex-Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Communications Limited, Yakubu Mohammed, is a great loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria, his family and friends. The journalism icon, who was a role model to many media practitioners in Nigeria, would be greatly missed.

“Yakubu Mohammed was a bold, courageous and uncompromising journalist, editor, columnist and publisher who spent his lifetime to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.

“He was a role model to many journalists in Nigeria, having nurtured and provided platforms for media practitioners who have become leading voices in the noble profession and leaders in different sectors.

“On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I sympathise with Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, the Mohammed family and the people of Ologba in the Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State over the demise of the veteran journalist.

“I also commiserate with the deceased’s friends, colleagues, and the media industry in Nigeria over the passing of this accomplished journalist. I pray that God will grant Yakubu Mohammed eternal rest and those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”