Tears Flow as Journalists, Parishioners, Friends Bid Farewell to Dr. Leon Usigbe

The remains of Dr. Leon Usigbe, the late Abuja Bureau Chief of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, were on Saturday laid to rest at his residence in Karshi, Abuja, amid tears and wailing.

Dr. Usigbe, a respected journalist, passed away on July 25, 2025, after a brief illness. Until his death, he served as the State House Correspondent of the Nigerian Tribune.

His body was interred at exactly 12:40 p.m., shortly after the funeral mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Karshi, officiated by Rev. Fr. David Osagie Akahomhen.

The atmosphere at his residence was heavy with grief, as family members, colleagues, and parishioners mourned the loss of an accomplished professional and family man. Members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, led by Chairperson Comrade Grace Ike, staff of the Abuja Bureau of Nigerian Tribune, State House correspondents, editors, and parish members were present to pay their last respects.

Before the mass, pallbearers reverently placed his body at the church entrance, where the priest received it with the cross, lighted candles, holy water, the Holy Bible, and a white pall—symbols of faith and eternal life.

Preaching from Wisdom 4:7-15 and Romans 8:14-23, Rev. Fr. Akahomhen described Dr. Usigbe as a man of impact, courage, and unwavering faith. He recalled how the late journalist once reassured him in a message: “Please Father, don’t worry about me, I have lived a good life.” He urged friends and associates not to abandon Usigbe’s family after the burial.

On behalf of Nigerian Tribune, Acting Abuja Bureau Chief, Prince Jacob Segun Olatunji, described Usigbe as a dedicated professional who distinguished himself in his career. He conveyed the organization’s condolences to the family, praying for strength to bear the loss.

Representing the Presidency’s media team, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President, said Dr. Usigbe was a journalist of high standards, admired for his discipline and positive outlook.

Fred Ituah, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, remembered him as a brother and mentor in journalism. He urged colleagues to look out for one another, noting that many were unaware of his illness until it was too late.

In an emotional tribute, his daughter, Barrister Osose Ivy Usigbe, said her father’s greatness lay not only in his professional brilliance but also in his humanity. “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 thanked relatives, colleagues, and friends for honoring her father, saying their presence showed the family was not walking the road of grief alone.