Tinubu Mourn Late Tribune Abuja Bureau Chief

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of a journalist with The Tribune Newspapers and a member of the State House Press Corps, Dr. Leon Usigbe.

Usigbe, who was also the Abuja Bureau Chief of the newspaper, died on Friday night during a brief illness.

The President’s condolence was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday.

In his condolence message, Tinubu eulogised Usigbe as a veteran State House correspondent and a professional whose unwavering dedication to truth, balance, and ethical journalism garnered him immense respect across the media landscape, among public officials, and from readers nationwide.

The President highlighted Usigbe’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that his insightful reporting and calm demeanour were instrumental in strengthening democratic governance.

The President added that his work played a crucial role in keeping the public well-informed about the intricate workings of the presidency and the government at large.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire Statehouse Press Corps.

“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this great loss,” the President said.

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed deep sorrow over Usigbe’s death.

In a condolence message issued on Saturday, the minister described the death as a heartbreaking and profound loss to the Nigerian media industry.

“It is with profound shock and deep sadness that I received the heartbreaking news of the sudden demise of Dr. Leon Habby Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune Newspaper,” he said.

Idris paid an heartfelt tribute to the journalist, hailing him as “an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape.”

“His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good.

“As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building,” Idris added.

The minister recalled Usigbe’s eloquent interventions at media briefings in Abuja, particularly at the Federal Ministry of Information and the Presidential Villa, adding that his interventions helped to bridge the gap between the government and the media.

“I recall with particular sorrow his eloquent and thought-provoking contributions during the regular Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions convened by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja, as well as at the Press Briefings in the Presidential Villa. His interventions consistently elevated the quality of discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media — all in service of a more informed and engaged society,” the message

Idris also described his death as “a monumental loss, not only to Tribune Newspaper and the journalism profession but also to the entire nation.”

“Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike,” he said.

The minister extended condolences to the family of the Late Usigbe, and the media industry, on behalf of the Federal Ministry and in his personal capacity, stating “heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Tribune Newspaper, the government and people of Edo State, where he hailed from, as well as to his family, friends, and professional associates.

“May God Almighty comfort all those he has left behind and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the message concluded.

Usigbe was known for his meticulous approach to reporting and his quiet yet impactful presence within the State House.

Margret Oshinowo  | July 26, 2025


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