Special Features
10 things to know about late Newswatch Co-founder, Yakubu Mohammed
Yakubu Mohammed, a frontline Nigerian journalist, editor, writer, and media entrepreneur, has passed away at the age of 75.
His death comes less than two months after the passing of fellow Newswatch co-founder Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025.
Yakubu Mohammed left a lasting mark on Nigerian journalism.
Here are 10 key things to know about his life and career:
1. Birth: Yakubu Mohammed was born on April 4, 1950, in Ologba, Dekina, Kogi State.
2. Education: He attended St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba, and Government Secondary School, Okene.
He earned a B.Sc in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 1975 and a post-graduate diploma in management and public administration from Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland, in 1979.
3. Early Career: Mohammed began his journalism career as Associate Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers (1976–1980) and later became its Managing Editor in 1980.
4. National Concord: He joined National Concord as Deputy Editor in 1980 and became Editor in 1982, a position he held until 1984.
5. Newswatch Co-founder: In 1984, Mohammed co-founded Newswatch magazine with Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese, helping to pioneer investigative journalism in Nigeria.
6. Leadership Roles at Newswatch: He served in various roles including Executive Editor, Managing Editor (1986–1994), and Deputy CEO of Newswatch Communications Limited from 1994.
7. Publications: Mohammed wrote extensively, maintaining long-running columns in National Concord and Newswatch.
He co-edited Nigeria’s Business and Trade Fair Journal and contributed to books like Jogging in the Jungle: The Newswatch Story.
8. Public Service and Politics: Beyond journalism, he served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2005–2007), and was also a governorship candidate in Kogi State.
9. Personal Life: He was married with children and enjoyed tennis, dancing, music, and movies.
10. Achievements: Shortly before his death, Mohammed launched his memoir, Beyond Expectations, on November 4, 2025, reflecting on his career and life experiences.
Follow Us on Google Discover
I fear APC’s internal crisis more than Atiku – Shettima
Why Shettima Insults Atiku: by Farooq Kperogi
Messi’s double fires Inter Miami to 3-1 victory over Atlanta United
Opposition will front a single candidate against Tinubu, announcement will be made few days to election – Lukman
La Liga: Unstoppable Barcelona beat Real Betis 5-2 to extend winning run
EPL: Super Eagles star Iwobi fires Fulham to first league victory
Ogun hospital under fire as Nurse dies of asthma attack amid alleged oxygen failure
Maryam Babangida Center for Women Devt gets first wheel chair ramp after 34 years
Shettima inaugurates Arewa for Asiwaju campaign office in Abuja
2027: ‘APM will beat Tinubu in 12 battleground states’ – Makinde’s campaign team
Veteran Journalist, diplomat Dele Cole dies at 86
Suspended NSCDC commandant apologises over deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger
EPL: Martinez rushed to hospital after head injury as Chelsea beat Everton
COAS arrives Borno as Military moves to clear terrorist camps, rescue abductees
Macky Sall quits race for UN Secretary-General position
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
Atiku fully fit, ready to campaign in all 36 states, interact with Nigerians – ADC PCC
2027: ‘Don’t trust your destiny to ‘kalokalo’ people’ – Wike warns Rivers voters against Atiku, Amaechi, Obi
Outrage as suspected cultists unveil renovated police post in Rivers
BREAKING: Oyebanji makes history as first Ekiti Governor to win second consecutive term
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
