President Bola Tinubu and Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris have mourned veteran journalist and State House Correspondent/Abuja Bureau Chief of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, Dr Leon Usigbe.
The President, in a release issued on Saturday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed sadness over the passing of Dr. Leon Usigbe, a cherished member of the State House Press Corps, who died on Friday after a brief illness.
President Tinubu described Dr. Usigbe as a veteran STATEHOUSE Correspondent and professional whose dedication to truth, balance, and ethical journalism earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials, and readers nationwide.
The President notes that Usigbe’s insightful reporting and calm demeanour contributed immensely to strengthening democratic governance and keeping the public well-informed about the workings of the presidency and 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”, President Tinubu stated.
Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, in his condolence message also on Saturday, said:
“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.
“Dr. Usigbe was 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.
“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.
“His death is 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.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, as well as personally, I extend 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.”
Deji Elumoye
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