PRESS RELEASE

Gov. Ododo Mourns Yakubu Mohammed, Co-Founder of Newswatch Magazine

Kogi State, 14 January 2026 – Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, and to the Nigerian Union of Journalists over the passing of the veteran journalist and elder statesman.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo described Mohammed as a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria and a proud son of Dekina Local Government Area, whose contributions to nation-building went beyond the media space.

“As a co-founder of the iconic Newswatch Magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed belonged to a rare generation of journalists who redefined courage, professionalism, and integrity in Nigerian journalism. He was a man whose influence shaped public discourse and strengthened accountability in our democracy,” the Governor said.

Governor Ododo highlighted Mohammed’s instrumental role in establishing Newswatch in the mid-1980s alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese, noting that the magazine marked a turning point in Nigerian media history by setting enduring standards for investigative reporting and editorial independence.

The Governor also acknowledged Mohammed’s distinguished public service record, including his tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and his invaluable contributions to the development of Kogi State.

“His love for Kogi State was evident in his commitment to its growth and his willingness to serve in different capacities. He was a bridge-builder, a mentor to many, and a voice of conscience in national affairs,” Governor Ododo added.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul eternal rest and comforts his family and all who mourn his loss.

Abiola’s Wife, Doyin, Is Dead.

Wife of the Concord Publisher and winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Moshood Abiola, Doyin, has passed away.

Naija News learnt that the eminent journalist died at 9.15 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

According to the Nation, Doyin’s death resulted from an illness.

Doyin was the former managing director and publisher of National Concord.

She was also the first Nigerian woman to be an editor of a Nigerian daily newspaper.

Like the numerous wives of the late Abiola, Doyin endured the storm and stress triggered by the annulment of the historic poll and the tribulations that followed on the home front and in Concord.

Doyin Abiola attended the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969. After graduation, she started working with the Daily Sketch Newspaper and also wrote a column in the newspaper called ‘Tiro,’ which addressed sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters.

In 1970, Doyin left Daily Sketch Newspaper and travelled to the United States to pursue a master’s degree programme in Journalism. Upon her return, she was employed as a Features Writer at Daily Times and rose to become the Group Features Editor. She later attended New York University and obtained a PhD in communications and political science in 1979.

After Doyin’s Ph.d. programme, she returned to the Daily Times and was deployed to the editorial board, where she worked with other experienced editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. However, it was to be a short stay as the newly formed National Concord newspaper invited her to be its pioneer daily editor.