Governor Alia immortalises Dan Agbese, renames Benue Printing House after him

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has officially renamed the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation in memory of the late journalist and author, Dan Agbese. The government described the move as a tribute to preserve Agbese’s legacy and promote principled journalism.

In a statement released on Friday, Solomon Iorpev, the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, confirmed that an executive order has been signed to rename the corporation 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 added that the renaming formalizes a prior announcement made during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Benue State, where Governor Alia had pledged to immortalize the late media icon.

According to Mr Iorpev, the change is effective immediately and extends to “all official documents, communications, legal instruments, signage, branding materials and public references,” with all relevant state ministries and agencies tasked to ensure full compliance.

The adviser emphasized that the governor views this initiative as a way to “institutionalise excellence in public communication, preserve Chief Agbese’s legacy and inspire future generations to pursue truth and service with courage and professionalism.”

IDOMA VOICE reported that Dan Agbese passed away on November 17, 2025, at the age of 81 following a brief illness. Widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s most influential journalists, he co-founded Newswatch magazine alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed.

Over his long career, Agbese was celebrated for his investigative insight, sharp analysis, and fearless commentary.

His widely read columns and contributions to national newspapers significantly shaped public debate and held leaders accountable. He authored books on Nigeria’s political history, including The Letterman, and co-authored The President Is Not Sick.

At his passing, tributes poured in from across the media and civic sectors.

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

Mr Iorpev noted that Governor Alia believes honoring Agbese in this way will strengthen responsible journalism and intellectual growth within Benue.

The governor also encouraged media professionals, students, writers, and public servants in the state to uphold the values that Agbese championed.

A native of Benue, Mr Agbese mentored generations of journalists and left a lasting impact on public discourse.

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