Yakubu Mohammed, a highly respected veteran journalist and co-founder of the influential Newswatch Magazine, passed away on Monday night/Tuesday in Lagos at the age of 75. His death was attributed to complications arising from diabetes, a condition he had managed for several years. Born on April 4, 1950, Mohammed hailed from Ologba, a settlement near Anyigba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, and is survived by his widow and children.

Mohammed's illustrious career in journalism spanned over five decades, marked by uncommon bravery, professional integrity, and a steadfast commitment to truth and nation-building. He played a pivotal role in the Nigerian media landscape, co-founding Newswatch Magazine in 1984 alongside the late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu. This pioneering newsweekly, officially launched in 1985, helped define an era of fearless investigative journalism, particularly during Nigeria's military rule. His resolve and courage were further demonstrated by his commitment to sustaining the Newswatch vision even after the tragic assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986.

Before his groundbreaking work at Newswatch, Mohammed held significant positions at other prominent media houses. His professional journey included stints as Associate Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers from 1976 to 1980, and as Deputy Editor and Editor of National Concord from 1980 to 1984. Beyond journalism, he contributed to public service as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He was also a respected member of professional bodies such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

His academic background included a B.Sc. degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and studies at Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland, United Kingdom, following early education at St Joseph’s Primary School, Anyigba, and Government Secondary School, Okene, Kogi State.

Tributes poured in from across the nation, highlighting his immense contributions. President Bola Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences, describing Mohammed as a personal friend and a courageous professional whose life was devoted to truth and public service. President Tinubu noted that Mohammed often placed his life on the line to speak truth to power and praised his profound reflections on leadership in Nigeria and the enduring responsibility of journalists, as articulated in his memoir,