Dele Giwa: 37 Years After, His Message Remains Valid

Dele Giwa, whose full name was Dele Charley Oladele Giwa, was a Nigerian journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine. He was born on March 16, 1947, in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and tragically died on October 19, 1986. Giwa was known for his fearless and investigative reporting, which often exposed corruption and misconduct in Nigerian politics and society.

Some key points about Dele Giwa include:

1. Journalism Career: Dele Giwa had a prolific career in journalism. He worked for various Nigerian publications before co-founding Newswatch magazine in 1984, which quickly gained a reputation for its in-depth reporting and investigative journalism.
2. Investigative Journalism: Giwa and his team at Newswatch were renowned for their investigative reports on political and social issues in Nigeria. They fearlessly exposed corruption, human rights abuses, and political scandals.
3. Mysterious Assassination: On October 19, 1986, Dele Giwa was killed by a letter bomb in his Lagos home. His assassination remains one of the most high-profile unsolved murder cases in Nigeria. The circumstances surrounding his death raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.
4. Legacy: Dele Giwa’s murder had a profound impact on the Nigerian media landscape. It highlighted the dangers faced by journalists who dared to investigate powerful individuals and institutions. His legacy continues to inspire investigative journalism in Nigeria.

Dele Giwa’s life and work are a testament to his dedication to exposing truth and holding those in power accountable, even at great personal risk. His death remains a significant chapter in the history of Nigerian journalism.