Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the passing of veteran journalist and Newswatch magazine co-founder, Yakubu Mohammed, as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s media industry.
Mohammed, who also served as pro-chancellor and chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, died on Tuesday at the age of 75. He was widely celebrated as a journalist, author, columnist, and publisher.
In a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the death of the media veteran was both painful and heartbreaking, emphasizing that his extensive experience and knowledge would be deeply missed.
“The death of the former Managing Editor of Newswatch and ex-Deputy CEO of Newswatch Communications Limited, Yakubu Mohammed, is a great loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria, as well as to his family and friends,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor described Mohammed as a bold, courageous, and uncompromising professional who dedicated his life to the growth and development of journalism in the country.
“Yakubu Mohammed was a role model to many journalists in Nigeria, having nurtured and provided platforms for media practitioners who have gone on to become leading voices in the profession and leaders in different sectors,” he added.
On behalf of the Lagos State Government and its people, Sanwo-Olu extended condolences to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, the Mohammed family, and the people of Ologba in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State.
He also commiserated with Mohammed’s friends, colleagues, and the media industry nationwide.
“I pray that God grants Yakubu Mohammed eternal rest and gives those he left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the governor concluded.
Elijah Adeyemi
