The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono has offered heartfelt condolences to the family of a co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Prince Dan Agbese.
The former Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine died last Monday in Lagos, aged 81.
In a condolence message on Thursday, Echono expressed deep sorrow over the transition of the celebrated journalist and columnist, who he described as a ‘legendary journalist and a pillar of Nigeria’s media landscape’.
Echono, who wrote on behalf of the TETFund Board of Trustees and the wider education community, highlighted Agbese’s profound impact on journalism, acknowledging his immense contributions to Nigerian journalism.
He specifically noted Agbese’s pivotal role in shaping investigative journalism in the country, crediting his insightful and often satirical writing style for captivating readers and inspiring generations of journalists.
‘His writing was a masterful blend of satire, humour, and incisive commentary that captivated readers and inspired a generation of journalists’, Echono said.
He emphasised Agbese’s unique ability to combine wit and wisdom, which earned him the reputation as one of the country’s most respected and beloved writers.
Beyond his journalistic achievements, Echono also acknowledged Agbese’s dedication as a teacher and mentor. He noted that his passion for journalism was contagious and that he mentored countless students, helping to shape the careers of many successful journalists.
‘He was a mentor, a leader, and a role model who inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in journalism and strive for excellence’, Echono added.
Echono said that the monumental loss is not just to the Agbese family but to the Idoma nation, and by extension, the entire nation.
‘”The man from Agila”, as he was fondly called, was also a proud and worthy ambassador of the Idoma nation’, lamenting that the Idoma nation has lost some of its brightest stars in recent months.
The TETFund Executive Secretary also stated that Agbese’s legacy of informing, educating, and entertaining millions of Nigerians would endure, ensuring that his contributions to journalism, satire, and the overall development of Nigeria will never be forgotten.
