Photo Caption: Soji Akinrinade, Olori Janet Afolabi, Rabi, Yakubu Mohammed ‘s wife and Ray Ekpu
The Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation (OJAF) has unveiled the Newswatch Lecture Series in Lagos, in an event that also paid glowing tribute to late media icon, Yakubu Mohammed, co-founder of Newswatch magazine.
The ceremony celebrated Mohammed’s enduring legacy alongside fellow co-founders Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu, all widely regarded as pillars of investigative journalism in Nigeria.
Chairman of the occasion, Tola Adeniyi, described Mohammed as a journalist who redefined the profession through discipline and dedication. He noted that Mohammed consciously chose journalism and worked tirelessly to excel in it.
“He desired, perspired, and acquired the journalism feat. By nature, Mohammed was not flamboyant nor loud, but stayed in his own lane,” Adeniyi said.
In her address, the Convener and Founder of OJAF, Janet Afolabi, a CNN award-winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, said the initiative was inspired by a deep sense of gratitude to mentors who shaped her career.
Reflecting on the passing of Agbese, she said: “I remembered the people who shaped me, taught me, corrected me, pushed me, believed in me even when I doubted myself, and gave me a platform to soar. My former bosses were mentors, builders of men, and custodians of journalism standards.
“They taught me that journalism is not just a profession but a public trust—that truth matters and integrity is not negotiable. It is this debt of gratitude that inspired me to organise this event.”
Speaking at the event, Ekpu, the only surviving co-founder of Newswatch, described Mohammed as a principled and thorough journalist who upheld truth and professionalism.
“He was a reporter’s reporter—a careful, methodical storyteller who never bent facts or truth,” Ekpu said. He added that Mohammed’s autobiography, Beyond Expectations, further cemented his legacy as a public intellectual.
Tributes also poured in from notable figures including former military president Ibrahim Babangida, Professor Tayo Popoola of the University of Lagos, Professor Oloruntola Sunday, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos, and Mohammed Haruna, pioneer editor of the New Nigerian newspaper. Family members, friends, colleagues, and former classmates also shared heartfelt reminiscences.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Soji Akinrinade, who commended Afolabi for organising the lecture series and appreciated attendees for their presence.
The well-attended gathering filled the 200-capacity hall with media veterans and dignitaries from across the country. Among those present were Oba Kayode Afolabi, the Alapomu of Apomu; Professor Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota; Oba (Engr.) Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, Adimula of Awori Kingdom; Nosa Igiebor, Editor-in-Chief of Tell magazine; Dame Comfort Obi, publisher of The Source; and Hon. Helen Emere of the Imo State House of Assembly, among others.
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