40th Memorial Media Icons Pay Tribute To ‘Dele Giwa’s Granite Journalism’

40th Memorial Media Icons Pay Tribute to ‘Dele Giwa’s Granite Journalism’ Media professionals, veteran journalists and public figures have paid tribute to the late journalist and founding editor of Newswatch magazine, Dele Giwa, commemorating the 40th anniversary of his death and celebrating his legacy of fearless, principled and investigative journalism.The memorial provides an opportunity for Nigeria’s media community to reflect on Giwa’s contribution to journalism, his commitment to accountability and the risks he faced while reporting on powerful political interests. Giwa remains one of the most influential figures in Nigerian journalism, remembered for his distinctive writing style, editorial courage and determination to hold public officials accountable. His approach to reporting, often described as granite journalism, has continued to inspire journalists who regard independence, professional integrity and public-interest reporting as essential responsibilities of the media. The event was held at the Kesington Adebutu Auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Ogba, Lagos, during the presentation of a book titled Dele Giwa’s Granite Journalism. Vanguard founder and publisher, Sam Amuka-Pemu, who chaired the occasion, described Giwa as a patriotic Nigerian journalist and a true legend whose influence continued long after his death. Amuka recalled Giwa’s famous expression, “protest pays,” and urged Nigerians to read the book in order to better understand the late journalist’s ideals and contributions. Ray Ekpu, co-founder of Newswatch, described Giwa as a blessing to Nigerian journalism, praising his intellectual ability and engaging investigative reporting. He said Giwa’s assassination devastated the Newswatch family, whose efforts to uncover those responsible for the killing yielded no successful resolution. Former Ogun State governor and veteran journalist, Segun Osoba, recalled that Giwa had expressed fears for his safety shortly before his death.According to Osoba, Giwa complained at an event on Victoria Island, Lagos, that security personnel were pursuing him. An urgent meeting was subsequently arranged with the then Chief of General Staff, Augustus Aikhomu, who reportedly promised to investigate the matter. Osoba praised Giwa’s courage and patriotism, recalling the circumstances surrounding the final days of his life. Former Daily Times managing director, Yemi Ogunbiyi, also described Giwa as an extraordinary individual who brought colour and vibrancy to Nigerian journalism. Public relations expert Biodun Shobanjo similarly praised Giwa’s personality and professional achievements, describing him as a remarkable figure whose influence extended beyond the newsroom. Dele Giwa was killed on October 19, 1986, at the age of 39, when a parcel bomb was delivered to his residence in Ikeja, Lagos. His assassination remains one of the most notorious attacks on a journalist in Nigeria’s history. Forty years after his death, the circumstances surrounding the killing and the identities of those responsible remain unresolved. Giwa co-founded Newswatch magazine with Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed. The publication helped shape investigative journalism and political reporting in Nigeria during a period marked by military rule and restrictions on press freedom. At the memorial, Giwa’s daughter, Aisha Dele Giwa, reflected on her father’s legacy. Although she was only one year old when he died, she said the accounts shared by her mother and the materials she had read about him had convinced her that he died a martyr. Simon Kolawole, editor-in-chief of TheCable, reviewed the commemorative book. The anniversary has renewed attention to Giwa’s contribution to Nigerian journalism and the continuing demand for justice over his assassination.