By Wilson Macaulay
October 19, 1987, is a date forever etched in the history of Nigerian journalism and the hearts of its people. On this somber day, Dele Giwa, a distinguished journalist and the founding editor of Newswatch magazine, was murdered in a shocking and unprecedented manner that sent ripples of grief across the nation. His life was cut short by a parcel bomb delivered to his home in Lagos, a tragic event that not only evoked sorrow but also created a void in the Nigerian media landscape that has yet to be filled.
The Rise of a Media Legend
Dele Giwa was born on March 16, 1947, in Ife, Osun State, and hailed from a mod background. His parents instilled in him the importance of hard work, curiosity, and determination. After attending various schools in Nigeria, Giwa pursued his studies in the United States at Brooklyn College, where he majored in Communication Arts. The dynamic journalism environment of America during the politically turbulent 1960s and 70s honed his skills and fueled his ambition to transform Nigeria’s media industry.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Giwa quickly made a name for himself at Daily Times and later co-founded Newswatch in 1984. Under his editorial direction, the magazine gained instant popularity and redefined investigative journalism in Nigeria. Known for its fearless reporting on political corruption and social issues, Newswatch shattered the constraints of censorship and highlighted critical national matters.
Journalism as a Catalyst for Change
Giwa was not merely a journalist; he was a visionary who understood the press's potential to drive societal change. During the 1980s, Nigeria faced a tumultuous period marked by political turmoil, military coups, economic challenges, and a growing authoritarian regime. Giwa and his Newswatch team bravely confronted these issues, providing Nigerians with a new form of journalism that revealed the dark realities of power.
His incisive stories about the government, particularly during military rule, earned him both respect and animosity. He fearlessly challenged the status quo, often at significant personal risk, becoming a beacon of hope for a populace yearning for transparency and justice. His writing—characterized by boldness and clarity—spoke truth to power at a time when such dissent was rare in Nigerian media.
The Heart-Wrenching Assassination
Dele Giwa’s assassination remains one of the most debated and unresolved murders in Nigeria's history. On that tragic morning of October 19, 1987, Giwa received a package at his Ikeja home. Believing it to be an ordinary delivery, he opened it, triggering an explosion that killed him instantly in front of his son, Billy. The brutal nature of his death sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria, and he was only 40 years old at the time.
The parcel bomb was a rare and alarming method of killing, viewed as a deliberate act to silence a significant voice in Nigeria. In the days before his assassination, Giwa had expressed concerns to close associates about feeling watched and fearing for his life. Speculation regarding the perpetrators has persisted, with many suspecting influential figures in the military government of the time. However, despite numerous inquiries, no one has been officially charged, leaving his murder an unresolved enigma.
Dele Giwa’s Enduring Legacy
Thirty-seven years later, the legacy of Dele Giwa stands as a potent symbol of the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Nigeria. His assassination highlighted the perilous conditions faced by journalists, especially those who challenge authority. Nevertheless, Giwa’s life and work continue to inspire generations of journalists throughout Africa.
Newswatch, the magazine he co-founded, has carried on his vision but has yet to recapture the fearless spirit it embodied under his stewardship. Giwa’s writings, including many renowned editorials, are still studied by journalism students today, and his dedication to justice and accountability sets a high standard for investigative journalism in Nigeria.
Dele Giwa is remembered not only for his tragic death but for his unwavering commitment to truth and his belief in journalism's potential to improve Nigeria. He transformed the media landscape and gave a voice to the marginalized during a particularly turbulent era.
The Ongoing Struggle for Press Freedom
The anniversary of Dele Giwa’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the critical issue of press freedom in Nigeria today. Journalists continue to face threats, imprisonment, and even death for their work. Giwa’s legacy motivates them to pursue transparency and accountability despite the risks.
Today, Nigerian journalists persist in the vital work that Giwa championed, demanding accountability from those in power through investigative reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and economic inequality. In remembering Dele Giwa, we acknowledge the transformative power of journalism to shape societies, amplify the voices of the marginalized, and hold leaders accountable.
Conclusion
As we honor the life and death of Dele Giwa, we recognize that his influence transcends his time. His words, courage, and vision for a just Nigeria continue to resonate. Although his assassination was tragic, it did not silence him; rather, it magnified his call for a more open, equitable, and transparent society. Dele Giwa was not just a journalist—he was a defender of the public’s right to know and a champion for truth, leaving an indelible mark that will inspire future generations.
Today, we pay tribute to his legacy and recommit to upholding the ideals for which he fought. Dele Giwa may have left us, but his spirit endures in every journalist who dares to pursue the truth.
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