Leon Usigbe: I Want to Be Like My Father, to Love Everyone – Leroy Usigbe

The family of Dr. Leon Usigbe, the late Abuja Bureau Chief of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, whose remains were laid to rest on Saturday at his Karshi, Abuja residence amid tears and wailing, returned to church for a thanksgiving service.

Dr. Usigbe, an accomplished and renowned journalist, passed away on July 25, 2025, after a brief illness. Until his death, he was the State House Correspondent of the Nigerian Tribune.

Speaking after the thanksgiving service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Karshi, Dr. Usigbe’s first son, Leroy, expressed gratitude to parishioners, relatives, friends, and colleagues who travelled from far and near to support the family in their time of grief. He also pledged to emulate his father’s spirit of love for others.

“We came to thank God for the life of my dad, Dr. Leon Usigbe. Although his life was short, it was a good life. I am truly grateful for the massive turnout, especially during the interment. I never expected such a crowd. It showed me how much my father was loved. I thank everyone and wish them safe journeys back to their homes,” Leroy said.

Reflecting on his father’s legacy, he added:
“There’s so much I have learnt since his passing. The father I knew at home and the man people knew outside were slightly different. But the one thing I would like to emulate is how he loved everyone. I’m naturally quiet and reserved, but seeing the huge crowd at his burial made me realize I need to be more open, friendlier, and less lonely. I want to be like him – to love everybody.”

Leroy admitted that healing from the loss would take time, describing the family’s grief as their first such experience. He advised others with living parents to take photos and videos with them, as memories alone fade.

“Time heals all wounds, but losing a loved one leaves a hole in your heart that words cannot describe. Crying doesn’t help, money doesn’t help, and anger doesn’t change anything. He was only 62, and he wanted to live. It was a horrible feeling, but people keep urging us to be strong. With time, we’ll get better,” he said.

Sharing a personal regret, he noted:
“I hardly take pictures, and now I only have three selfies with my dad. I wish I had more. That’s why I encourage everyone: take photos and videos with your parents whenever you can. Those are the memories you’ll hold on to when they’re gone.”