Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has condoled with the people and Kogi Government over the passing of veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Yakubu Mohammed.
This was contained in a statement issued by Idris’s Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim yesterday in Abuja.
He described the death of Mohammed as a huge loss to the Nigerian media, a profession to which the deceased devoted over five decades of his life.
According to Idris, Mohammed spent over five decades in advancing ethical reporting, investigative journalism, and telling the truth to power, even during the dark days of the military junta.
The minister further described the deceased as a true patriot who believed in Nigeria; a brave heart who showed courage in the face of fear.
He added that he was a change maker who used his intellect to advance greater public good, particularly during his tenure as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
“Late Yakubu Mohammed stood tall as an icon of media practice, pioneering a new era and establishing the institution of investigative journalism in Nigeria, which has become the watchdog of public service and governance in our constitutional democracy.
“Alongside his co-founders at Newswatch, their footprints and accomplishments have continued to inspire younger generations to not only pick up their pens but also drive socio-political change in society through their inks”, he said.
Idris prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, and urged the bereaved to take solace in the legacies he left behind, as chronicled in his memoir, “Beyond Expectations”, launched in November 2025. NAN
