Newswatch to launch book remembering Dele Giwa 40 years after his death

Newswatch Plus Limited, the publisher of Newswatch, is set to launch a special book in memory of Dele Giwa. This marks 40 years since he was killed.

The book is called Dele Giwa’s Granite Journalism. It will be presented at the Kessington Adebutu Auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, 19 October.

A press release signed by Soji Akinrinade, the editor-in-chief of Newswatch, says the event will be chaired by Sam Amuka, who is the founder and publisher of Vanguard newspapers.

Edited by veteran journalist Ray Ekpu, the book highlights Mr Giwa’s works and writings from the Daily Times, Sunday Concord, and Newswatch magazine. It also includes tributes from many well-known journalists, especially his friends and colleagues.

"The book presentation gives the Dele Giwa media family a chance to remember the murdered journalism icon. It showcases his works and writings from Daily Times, Sunday Concord, and Newswatch magazine.

"The book, edited by Ray Ekpu, also features tributes from many eminent journalists, particularly Giwa’s peers and friends. From the magazine’s beginning and under Giwa’s leadership, it brought new energy to investigative journalism in Nigeria," the statement said.

Mr Giwa was killed on 19 October 1986 when a parcel bomb was sent to his house on Talabi Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

His death is often blamed on the military government of then-president Ibrahim Babangida. The case remains unsolved. Mr Babangida, now 85, has always denied being involved in the murder. The late lawyer Gani Fawehinmi fought for justice for Mr Giwa until he died in September 2009.

Mr Giwa was 39 years old when he died in 1986. He co-founded Newswatch magazine in 1985 alongside Mr Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed, and Dan Agbese. Mr Giwa was the magazine’s editor-in-chief, while Mr Ekpu was his deputy.

Under Mr Giwa’s leadership, the magazine played a big part in promoting investigative journalism in Nigeria.

The upcoming book launch will also happen shortly after the deaths of two other founding editors of the magazine. Mr Agbese passed away in November 2025, and Mr Mohammed died in January 2026. This leaves Mr Ekpu as the only remaining member of the original team.

The Newswatch family says the presentation will be a time to remember Mr Giwa and celebrate his contributions to journalism through his published works.

They also asked media organisations to cover the event.