Dele Giwa: Nigeria Remembers Newswatch Founder 40 Years After Assassination

Nigeria’s journalism community is remembering veteran journalist and founding Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine, Sumonu Oladele Giwa, popularly known as Dele Giwa, 40 years after his assassination in Lagos.

Giwa was killed on October 19, 1986, when a parcel bomb exploded at his residence on Talabi Street, Ikeja. He was 39 years old at the time of his death.

A respected journalist and editor, Giwa co-founded Newswatch magazine in 1985 alongside Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed. As the magazine’s founding Editor-in-Chief, he played a significant role in developing investigative journalism and strengthening public-interest reporting in Nigeria.

His assassination shocked the country’s media community and raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists, particularly during periods of political tension. Despite investigations and subsequent calls for justice, the circumstances surrounding his killing remain unresolved.

Four decades after his death, Giwa’s legacy continues to feature prominently in discussions about press freedom, professional journalism and accountability. His work and contributions remain an important part of Nigeria’s media history.

The 40th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on his enduring influence and renew attention to the need to protect journalists and uphold the principles of independent reporting.