By Ishaq Imam
The remains of veteran journalist and co-founder of the defunct Newswatch magazine, Yakubu Mohammed, were on Thursday laid to rest in his hometown of Ologba, Anyigba, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, amid tributes celebrating a life of service, faith, and community commitment.
The burial ceremony, which commenced at about 11:00 a.m., was conducted according to Islamic rites and led by the Chief Imam of Ologba II, Alhaji Musa, alongside Mallam Dauda Omeje. Family members, religious leaders, traditional rulers, journalists, and residents of the community gathered to pay their final respects.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam reminded mourners of the inevitability of death and the importance of living a purposeful life anchored on service to humanity.
“Death is the inevitable end for all mankind. What truly matters is how we prepare for it—by living in peace with one another and rendering service to humanity, just as our brother, Yakubu Mohammed, did,” the Imam said.
He described the late journalist as a devout Muslim who never compromised his faith and remained deeply committed to the development of his community.
Speaking on the sidelines of the burial, Mr. Joshua Edegbo, a first cousin of the deceased, described Mohammed as a community leader whose impact extended beyond journalism.
“He was deeply committed to the development of his place of birth and provided scholarships to many young people across Dekina Local Government and Igala land,” Edegbo said.
According to him, the late Mohammed also played a mentorship role in his life and career, having facilitated his employment at both New Nigerian Newspapers and Newswatch magazine.
“As a committed Muslim, he never deviated from his faith, even when he briefly ventured into politics. That explains the large turnout today to honour him,” he added.
The funeral attracted a wide cross-section of attendees, including religious and traditional leaders, journalists, political associates, friends, and family members.
Late Yakubu Mohammed passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75. Born on April 4, 1950, he had a distinguished academic and professional background. He attended St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba, and Government Secondary School, Okene, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of Lagos. He later studied at the Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland, between 1978 and 1979.
In 2011, Mohammed also sought to serve his state politically as a governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State.
He is remembered as a seasoned journalist, mentor, devout Muslim, and a man whose life was dedicated to service, integrity, and community development.
