The remains of Dr. Leon Usigbe, late Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, were laid to rest on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at his residence in Karshi, Abuja, amid an outpouring of grief from family, colleagues, and friends.
Dr. Usigbe, a respected journalist and the State House Correspondent of the Tribune, passed away on July 25, 2025, after a brief illness. He was buried at exactly 12:40 p.m., following a solemn funeral mass held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Karshi, officiated by Rev. Fr. David Osagie Akahomhen.
The atmosphere at the burial was sombre, with mourners struggling to hold back tears as his body was committed to mother earth. Among the attendees were senior journalists, editors, members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Tribune staff, State House correspondents, and parishioners, all united in grief and reflection on a life well lived.
Prior to the funeral mass, pallbearers placed the body at the entrance of the church, where it was received by the clergy in a symbolic ritual of faith, involving the cross, candles, holy water, the Bible, and a white pall, representing eternal life.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Akahomhen, citing Wisdom 4:7–15 and Romans 8:14–23, described Dr. Usigbe as a man of impact who lived with faith, courage, and humility. He recounted the journalist’s devotion to the Church and his family, including an incident when, even while abroad, Dr. Usigbe intervened to protect his family during a kidnapping attempt.
“He lived a good life. He told me not to worry about him, and that he was at peace,” the priest said, reading from a final message sent by the deceased.
He urged friends and colleagues not to abandon the family in the aftermath of the burial, emphasising the importance of solidarity in times of grief.
Speaking on behalf of the management of Nigerian Tribune, Acting Abuja Bureau Chief, Prince Jacob Segun Olatunji, described the late Usigbe as “a dedicated and thoroughbred professional” who made his mark in journalism and contributed significantly to the paper’s coverage of the Presidency.
He conveyed the organisation’s condolences to the family and prayed for strength for them to bear the loss.
Also present was Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President in the Office of the Vice President, who represented Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. Nkwocha described Dr. Usigbe as “a gentleman, a fitness enthusiast, and a journalist of high standards,” whose death had left the media community in deep mourning.
Fred Ituah, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, paid tribute to Usigbe as both a brother and mentor in the profession. He called on journalists to cultivate a stronger support system, stressing that many colleagues were unaware of Dr. Usigbe’s illness until it was too late.
“When you’re in need or unwell, pick up the phone. A problem shared is sometimes half-solved,” he said, urging members of the media to be their “brother’s keeper.”
In a moving tribute, Dr. Usigbe’s daughter, Barrister Osose Ivy Usigbe, spoke on behalf of the family, describing her late father as the bedrock of their lives.
“He gave love freely, valued honesty above all, and carried himself with humility that made everyone feel seen and respected. To us, he was our foundation and strength,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to all who came to honour her father, adding, “It has enlightened us that we are not walking this road alone.”
Dr. Leon Usigbe is survived by his wife, children, extended family, and a host of colleagues who remember him as a dedicated professional, a family man, and a faithful Christian whose legacy will endure.
