Full Name: Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed
Birth: April 4, 1950
Place of Origin: Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria
Age at Death: 75 years
Date of Death: January 14, 2026 (died after a brief illness)
Education and Early Life
Attended St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba (1964).
Secondary education at Government Secondary School, Okene (1965–1969).
Studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, graduating with a B.Sc in 1975.
Further studies at the Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland (1978–1979).
Professional Career
Journalism and Media Leadership
New Nigerian Newspapers:
Associate Editor (1976–1980).
Managing Editor (1980).
National Concord Newspaper:
Deputy Editor (1980–1982).
Editor (1982–1984).
Newswatch: Founding and Legacy
In 1984, Yakubu Mohammed co-founded Newswatch magazine alongside:
Dele Giwa
Ray Ekpu
Dan Agbese
Newswatch became one of Nigeria’s most influential weekly news magazines, pioneering investigative journalism, bold reporting, and editorial independence, especially during military rule.
At Newswatch, he served in key roles including:
Executive Editor (1984–1986)
Managing Editor (1986–1994)
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Communications Ltd (from 1994)
He was known for shaping the magazine’s editorial direction and helping maintain its reputation for fearless journalism.
National Update
Memoir and Writings
In October 2025, shortly before his death, Yakubu Mohammed published his memoir, Beyond Expectations, chronicling:
The founding and early struggles of Newswatch.
Insights into Nigeria’s media history.
Personal encounters with national events and figures.
Other Roles and Contributions
Beyond journalism, he had significant roles including:
Director at Yadara Nigeria Limited and Lastop Limited.
Member of professional bodies such as:
Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Commonwealth Journalists’ Association
Nigerian Guild of Editors
He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, contributing to higher education
Personal Profile
Known for his integrity, forthright journalism, and commitment to professional excellence.
His work helped establish a tradition of investigative journalism in Nigeria.
He was also active in political and community engagements, including involvement in Kogi State development.
Place and Influence
Yakubu Mohammed’s roots in Kogi State (Ologba, Dekina) helped shape his worldview and community service orientation, making him a respected figure both in the media world and his home region.
Researched by Yusuf Nuhu
