Friday August 7, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Dennis UDOMA
In a society where many great men are only celebrated after their passing, it is a rare privilege to witness a living icon receive an outpouring of admiration from colleagues, protégés, admirers and generations inspired by his life’s work.
Such was the atmosphere yesterday Thursday, August 6, 2026, as social media platforms brimmed with tributes marking the 78th birthday of one of Africa’s most accomplished journalists, Ray Ekpu.
From veteran editors to young reporters who only encountered his writings in journalism schools and archives, the consensus was unmistakable: Ray Ekpu is not merely a celebrated journalist; he is a sage or national institution whose fearless pursuit of truth helped redefine the practice of journalism in Nigeria and elevated it to global standards.
Popularly described as “The Last Man Standing” among the four legendary founders of Newswatch magazine, Ekpu remains the enduring symbol of an era when journalism stood as the last line of defence against authoritarianism, corruption and abuse of power.
When Newswatch debuted in January 1985, Nigerian journalism entered a new age. Together with the late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed, Ray Ekpu pioneered a brand of investigative journalism that challenged the culture of secrecy, demanded accountability from public officials and placed national interest above personal comfort.
At a time when military regimes ruled with iron fists and dissent often attracted severe consequences, Ekpu and his colleagues chose courage over compromise. Their investigative reports exposed corruption, poor governance and official misconduct, earning both admiration and hostility in equal measure.
The ultimate price paid by the Newswatch family came with the assassination of founding Editor-in-Chief Dele Giwa through a parcel bomb on October 19, 1986 a dark chapter that remains unresolved in Nigeria’s democratic history. Yet, despite intimidation, censorship and harassment, Ray Ekpu remained unwavering in his commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism.
His exceptional leadership did not go unnoticed. In 1987, he was honoured as World Editor of the Year by the New York-based World Press Review, in recognition of his courage, editorial excellence and steadfast defence of media freedom. The award cemented his place among the world’s most respected journalists and brought international recognition to Nigeria’s vibrant press.
Beyond awards and accolades, Ray Ekpu’s greatest achievement lies in the generations he has inspired. Many of today’s accomplished editors, publishers and investigative reporters proudly acknowledge his influence on their careers. His insistence on accuracy, fairness, ethical reporting and intellectual rigour became the benchmark for professional journalism in Nigeria.
Unlike sensational reporting driven by headlines alone, Ekpu championed analytical journalism, one that provided context, depth and solutions. Through his compelling editorials and incisive commentaries, he consistently shaped public discourse, influenced policy debates and strengthened democratic values by holding leaders accountable.
As Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch, he helped build one of Africa’s most influential news magazines, with weekly circulation reaching about 100,000 copies at its peak. The publication became the reference point for investigative reporting, earning the reputation of being the “Bible” of magazine journalism across the continent.
Even decades after the magazine’s golden era, Ray Ekpu’s influence continues to resonate in Nigerian newsrooms. His writings remain valuable historical references for scholars, students and media practitioners seeking to understand Nigeria’s political evolution and the indispensable role of the press in nation-building.
Today, with the passing of Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed, Ray Ekpu stands as the surviving custodian of the Newswatch legacy, a living reminder of journalism’s finest and most courageous years.
Remarkably, age has done little to diminish his intellectual curiosity. Friends described him as enthusiastic, optimistic and actively engaged in new book projects. Rather than slowing down, the veteran journalist continues to contribute to public discourse till today in newspaper pages, through his glistering and incisive columns with the same clarity of thought and unwavering commitment to truth that defined his career.
Ray Ekpu’s legacy extends beyond newspaper pages and magazine covers. It is reflected in the values he promoted: integrity, transparency, accountability, courage and professionalism.
These ideals remain indispensable in a democratic society where journalism must continue to serve as the conscience of the nation.
At 78, Ray Ekpu has become far more than an accomplished editor. He is a mentor, institution builder, public intellectual and one of the principal architects of modern Nigerian journalism. His life demonstrates that journalism, when practised with courage and integrity, can shape public opinion, preserve history, challenge injustice and strengthen democracy.
As tributes continued to pour in from across Nigeria yesterday and beyond, one truth remains incontestable: Ray Ekpu’s greatest story is not merely the articles he wrote, but the fearless culture of investigative journalism he nurtured, the institutions he helped build and the countless journalists including this writer he inspired to pursue truth without fear or favour.
For a nation still striving to deepen transparency, accountability and democratic governance, Ray Ekpu’s life stands as enduring proof that the pen is still mightier than the sword, when guided by integrity and courage, remains one of the most powerful instruments for nation-building.
At 78, the legend lives on still inspiring readers and the like through his thoughts provoking newspaper columns, still mentoring, still reminding Nigeria that journalism is at its noblest when it speaks truth to power.
*This Opinion is written by Dennis Udoma, a frontline journalist in Akwa Ibom State.
