The Nigerian media community is mourning the death of Mr. Lewis Obi, a veteran journalist, editor and media executive whose career left a lasting imprint on modern Nigerian journalism. He was 77.
A native of Amurri in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mr. Obi was educated at Methodist Central School, Agbani, and earned a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, where he was a distinguished student of the late communications scholar Professor Alfred Opubor.
He rose to prominence as a star features writer at the Daily Times before being recruited by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola to join the Concord Group as Features Editor of National Concord.
He later became founding editor, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of African Concord, one of the group’s flagship weekly magazines.
Under his leadership, African Concord emerged as a major platform for investigative and analytical journalism during Nigeria’s years of military rule. His editorial work brought him into direct confrontation with state authorities, forcing him into exile in the United States after a period of intense repression.
Renowned as a mentor with a keen eye for talent, Obi nurtured many of Nigeria’s leading journalists and public intellectuals, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage, literary excellence and professional generosity.
Lewis Obi was married and is survived by his wife and children.
