Benue deputy speaker, Lami mourns Chief Dan Agbese ....Says he remains a true pride of Benue

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

The Deputy Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Forum of Deputy Speakers of Nigeria,  Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, has expressed sorrow over the demised of Chief Dan Agbese.

She described the passing of chief Agbese as very saddened, saying that the late media icon, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s media history and one of Benue’s most cherished sons.

Chief Ogenyi in a statement by her chief press secretary, Agbaji Samuel in Makurdi on Tuesday,  stated that Chief Agbese’s transition was a profound and truly painful loss, not just for his loved ones and professional colleagues, but for every Nigerian who believes in truth, accountability, and the eternal power of the written word.”

According to the statement, "chief Agbese  was truly one of the brightest lights to ever emerge from Benue—a man whose blazing intellect, moral courage, and unwavering devotion to ethical journalism elevated him to national and global recognition

 “Through NewsWatch, which he co-founded, Chief Agbese didn't just practice journalism; he redefined the very practice in our country,” she stated, highlighting his rare gift for blending bold, investigative reporting with profound wisdom".

 Zonal Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Organization (TSO) North Central, however recalled the late Chief Dan Agbese's remarkable professional journey: from his editorial stewardship at The Nigeria Standard and The New Nigerian, to his strategic tenure as General Manager of Radio Benue, and finally, to his widely revered position as Editor-in-Chief of NewsWatch until 2010.

 “Every single office he occupied was enriched by his deep discipline, crystal-clear thinking, and high moral standard. Your continued devotion to Benue State is acknowledged. 

"Even in his later years, Chief Agbese demonstrated a renewed commitment to the state's growth and visibility, collaborating closely with the present administration to produce special NewsWatch Plus editions celebrating key milestones in governance. 

“He never truly retired; he kept working tirelessly for the good of our people. That, to me, is the true mark of a selfless patriot. I extends my  heartfelt prayers for God’s comfort upon your grieving family and loved ones, asking that they be granted immense strength in this difficult moment.

“Chief Dan Agbese may have completed his earthly assignment, but his voice—calm, principled, and eternally courageous, will never be silenced. It will continue to speak through the values he championed and the countless minds he influenced. Benue and Nigeria owe him a debt of gratitude,” the Onyawole concluded.