Benue immortalises Dan Agbese, renames state publishing firm after him

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has renamed the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation after late journalist and author, Dan Agbese, in what the government described as a move to preserve his legacy and promote ethical journalism.

In a statement issued on Friday, the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, said the governor had signed an executive order changing the name of the corporation to Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation.

“The Executive Governor of Benue State has issued an executive order renaming the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation to Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation in honour of the late veteran journalist, Chief Dan Agbese,” Mr Iorpev said.

He explained that the decision was to formalise an earlier announcement made during a live broadcast marking the Golden Jubilee anniversary of Benue State, where the governor pledged to immortalise the late media icon.

According to him, the renaming takes immediate effect and applies to “all official documents, communications, legal instruments, signage, branding materials and public references,” with relevant ministries and agencies directed to ensure full implementation.

Mr Iorpev said the governor believes the gesture would “institutionalise excellence in public communication, preserve Chief Agbese’s legacy and inspire future generations to pursue truth and service with courage and professionalism.”

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Agbese died on 17 November 2025 after a brief illness at the age of 81. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential journalists, he was a co-founder of Newswatch magazine alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Yakubu Mohammed.

Over a career that spanned decades, Mr Agbese was known for his investigative depth, analytical clarity and fearless commentary.

His widely read column in Newswatch and contributions to national newspapers shaped public discourse and held public officials to account. He also authored several books on Nigeria’s political history, including The Letterman and co-authored The President Is Not Sick.

At the time of his death, tributes poured in from media professionals and civic leaders.

The President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Danlami Nmodu, described him as “a journalistic institution,” while the Guild’s General Secretary, Sufuyan Ojeifo, said he practised journalism “with conscience, courage and an unshakeable commitment to truth.”

In the statement on Friday, Mr Iorpev said Governor Alia believes honouring Mr Agbese in this manner would strengthen responsible journalism and intellectual development in the state.

He added that the governor called on media practitioners, writers, students and public servants in Benue to uphold the values the late journalist represented.

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Mr Agbese, a native of Benue State, mentored generations of reporters and editors and left a body of work that continues to influence public debate.

The state government said the renaming of its publishing corporation is intended to reflect “the dignity, history and aspirations of the people” and to recognise merit and service to society.