Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, Co-founder, Newswatch magazine, Ray Ekpu, and journalist, Tola Adeniyi, were among the distinguished personalities who described the late iconic journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Yakubu Mohammed, as a great journalist, whose lifestyle is worthy of emulation.

They spoke yesterday, at a lecture series organised by Newswatch and Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation (OJAF) in honour of Mohammed in Lagos.

Babangida, who was represented by the National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mohammed Haruna, said: “Mohammed was a man of humility, humour and fairness. He was one of the most truthful and honest persons I’ve ever known.”

On his part, Adeniyi recalled: “Yakubu did not find himself in journalism. He worked, prepared and laboured for it. By nature, Yakubu was not flamboyant, loud or intrusive. He stayed in his own lane. Yet, he was one of journalism’s first in content, context and boldness.”

“We are aware of his exploits in campus journalism at the University of Lagos UNILAG), New Nigeria, Concord and Newswatch. In his 75-year sojourn on Earth, he never exhibited the ‘notice-me’ peculiarities.

“He did not talk much, but he allowed his works to work for him.”

On her part, OJAF Founder, Olori Janet Afolabi, described Mohammed, Giwa, Ekpu and Dan Agbese as custodians of journalism standards.