The House of Representatives minority caucus has commiserated with the family, media, government and people of Benue State, over the demise of a foremost journalist and media entrepreneur, Dan Agbese.

In a statement by the Minority Caucus, Kingsdly Chinda (PDP-Rivers) on Wednesday, the caucus mourned the veteran journalist, describing him as a media colossus and a quintessential professional.

Mr Chinda said that the late Agbese was a serial winner of numerous awards at home and abroad through his writings, commentaries, and opinions which emerged as one of the strong, forceful voices against military dictatorship and political subjugation.

He also said that the caucus was pained that he died at a time when his wealth of knowledge, experiences, and wisdom were needed as the nation forged on in the quest for national development.

He further said that the caucus was however comforted that through Mr Agbese’ words, actions, and sacrifices, he would remain a worthy mirror, and veritable compass for the present and future generations of the media community.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss that the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives expresses our heartfelt condolences to the Agbese Family, the government and people of Benue, as well as the entire members of the Fourth Estate of the realm on the passing of Mr Dan Agbese.

“As a caucus, we are heartbroken by the death of a quintessential professional and patriot who in his lifetime achieved legacies of leadership, mentorship, and accolades. As a foremost journalist, and media entrepreneur, Agbese was an inspiration to many people.

”From the New Nigerian to Nigerian Standard and Newswatch where he served meritoriously as Editor, Co-Founder, and Editor in Chief respectively, he impacted positively on the careers of Nigerians who passed through his tutelage,” he said.

Mr Chinda prayed for the repose of his soul and for God Almighty to grant his family and every other person dear to him the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Mr Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, died in Lagos on Monday at the age of 81.

The former editor of the New Nigerian, the Nigeria Standard and, as well as a former general manager of Radio Benue, was until April 2010 the editor-in-chief of the Newswatch magazine. 

(NAN)

EOO/DCO