Buhari Felicitates With Veteran Journalist, Agbese As He Clocks 75
The Oasis Reporters
May 20, 2019
As the media world celebrates veteran journalist, columnist and author, Dan Ochima Agbese, who turns 75 on Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari has joined in, congratulating him for years of consistency, resilience and patriotism.
A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), said President Buhari affirmed that Agbese’s passion for journalism reflects his deep love for Nigeria as depicted in the subjects of his columns and books, and the analytical and investigative prowess given to the treatment of national issues, commending him for sacrificing his time and talent in pursuit of a greater future for the country.
The President expressed the belief that the veteran journalist made sacrifices for Nigeria’s return to democracy and strengthening of democratic institutions that must be acknowledged, and which will remain indelible in the sands of time.
The statement added that as the co-founder of Newswatch magazine turns 75, President Buhari extolled his virtues of humility, discipline, focus and exceptional brilliance that have contributed to the dynamism and vibrancy of the Nigerian media industry.
The President prayed that God will grant Agbese longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the country through his profession
Dan Agbese is a Nigerian journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch; he is a co-founder of Newswatch. Agbese earlier in his career worked for the New Nigerian rising to become the paper’s editor and was also editor of the Nigerian Standard.
He was detained by the Abacha administration in 1994 for conducting an interview with Sen. David Mark, then a retired Brigadier General of the army, that was critical of the government. An event Agbese later lamented may have been a way for the new military to demonstrate their belief in the power of the sword over the pen.
Agbese was born on May 20, 1944 in Agilla to the family of Philip Agbese Onazi who was a district head of Agila. He was educated at the Native Authority School in Otobi, Government Teachers Training College, Keffi and he later went to the University of Lagos. In 1976, he earned a diploma in journalism from Columbia University where he was awarded the John Taylor prize. He started his journalism career in 1967 at the New Nigerian newspaper. Prior to which, he had worked as a teacher and library assistant. He then spent stints at the Plateau state owned Nigerian Standard from 1974-1978.
Agbese served as a board member and board chairman of Benue Cement Company in 2001. In 2000, he wrote a book documenting the various military regimes and personalities that have governed the country.
Sources : Tribune
Wikipedia
