Information and National Orientation Minister, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has expressed deep condolences to the people and government of Kogi State over the passing of veteran journalist, astute politician, and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Yakubu Mohammed.
In a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, his Special Assistant on Media, the Minister described the deceased as ‘a true patriot who believed in Nigeria’.
According to the statement, the Minister described his death as a huge loss to the Nigerian media, a profession the deceased devoted over five decades of his life to, advancing ethical reporting and investigative journalism, and telling the truth to power, even during the dark days of the military junta.
‘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’, Idris stated.
The Minister also described Yakubu as a brave heart who showed courage in the face of fear, and a change maker who used his intellect to advance greater public good, particularly during his stint as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The late media icon revealed in his memoir, titled, ‘Beyond Expectations, which dissected Mohammed’s early life, life in the media, service to humanity and his adventure into politics, that journalism was passport to the world that has put him in the same space with international movers and shakers.
‘Today, as I look back, I am proud to say that just as I have no regrets in politics, I equally have no regrets choosing journalism as a career and a profession. Regrets? Perish the thought. Can anyone forget the story of Newswatch, Nigeria’s, nay Africa’s trail-blazing, weekly news magazine?
He recalled that had derived maximum satisfaction from journalism, saying ‘journalism, which brought me to the attention of the reading world, also opened the door to other opportunities, including my exposure in the political arena as well as my accomplishments as Pro-chancellor of two major universities. In all of these endeavours, I learnt early enough to say no to naysayers once I had made up my mind about any course of action.
‘In fact, I would say journalism, like spiritual affliction chose me way back in my elementary school days and because it has proved incurable, even addictive, I have had no choice but to remain faithful and show fidelity to it. It is my passport to the whole wide world and the platform that made it possible for me to meet and share a meal and the same space with people I would never have met including Queen Elizabeth of Britain and other world leaders. I have learnt a lot, and in my mid-70s, I am still learning’.
Mohammed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Lagos graduating in 1975 with a second-class upper division. He obtained his post-graduate diploma in management and public administration from Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland (1979). He was, at various times, associate editor, managing editor, and acting editor of New Nigerian between 1976 and December 1980 when he left for National Concord as deputy editor. He became editor of National Concord in 1982 and resigned in 1984 to co-found Newswatch, where he served in various editorial and administrative capacities. He had maintained a regular column in National Concord
