President Bola Tinubu mourns veteran journalist Yakubu Mohammed, praising his courage, legacy in Newswatch, and contributions to Nigerian journalism and nation-building

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the death of veteran journalist Yakubu Mohammed, co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigerian journalism and nation-building.

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In a condolence message released on Wednesday, Tinubu recalled that Mohammed devoted his life to “telling the truth to power,” often at great personal risk during Nigeria’s military era.

The President highlighted Mohammed’s role in founding Newswatch in 1984 alongside Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu, a partnership that redefined investigative reporting in the country.

“Yakubu Mohammed and his colleagues showed uncommon resolve by sustaining the visionary legacy of Newswatch after the tragic death of Dele Giwa,” Tinubu said.

“Their determination pushed the boundaries of investigative journalism in Nigeria and inspired generations of reporters.”

The President, who described Mohammed as a personal friend, commiserated with his family, the Kogi State government, and professional bodies including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association.

Tinubu also noted Mohammed’s recent memoir, Beyond Expectations, published in November 2025, describing the work as offering “an opportunity for deep reflection on leadership in Nigeria and the responsibility of the press.”

Beyond journalism, Mohammed contributed to academia, serving as Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University.

He also held senior editorial positions at New Nigerian Newspapers and National Concord.

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The President prayed that Almighty God would grant the departed eternal rest and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.