Tribune management visits, commiserates with family of late Statehouse correspondent, Usigbe

The management of the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC has visited and commiserated with the family of the late Statehouse Correspondent and Abuja Bureau Chief of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, Dr Leon Usigbe, who died on Friday, July 25, 2025, after a brief illness.

Usigbe, a thoroughbred journalist until his passing, was the Statehouse Correspondent and Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune, overseeing the northern operation of the organisation.

He was a veteran journalist with years of experience in crafting compelling narratives that capture the essence of complex issues.

Before the unfortunate incident on Friday, Usigbe initially received medical attention at the State House Clinic and was discharged after two weeks. His condition, however, relapsed, and he sadly passed away at a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja.

Describing his sudden demise as not just a huge loss to the Tribune family but the journalism profession in Nigeria, the management delegation was led by Deputy Bureau Chief, Mr Segun Olatunji, who had been acting on behalf of Usigbe during his illness.

Speaking on behalf of the Tribune family, Olatunji, who visibly struggled to control his emotions, said the visit was to identify and pray for the family in their moment of grief, as he prayed to God to repose the soul of the departed and uphold the family he left behind.

“We are here on behalf of the Tribune family to commiserate with you on this irreparable loss which has left a huge vacuum in the family, while praying that Almighty God will forgive our leader, welcome him home and uphold the family he left behind.

“Dr Leon Usigbe’s demise has left a big void in the Tribune family, which undoubtedly will be difficult to fill. Once again, our prayers are with the family, and we want you to carry us along concerning the burial and other things. This is a sad day for us in Tribune,” Olatunji stated.

Also, a member of the delegation, Mr Sunday Ejike Benjamin, prayed for the family.

Members of the delegation include Mr Taiwo Amodu, Mr Saliu Gbadamosi, Mr Taofeek Lawal and Mr Clement Idoko. Others are Messrs Kazeem Biriowo, Sunday Osunrayi and Samson Enejoh.

The ace journalist hailed from Uromi, Edo State. He previously worked with Vanguard Newspaper in Katsina, Kaduna and Abuja, covering the House of Representatives.

He later served as Media Aide to former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari, and returned to Vanguard before joining the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, where he was appointed Bureau Chief.

He had extensive experience in reporting on a wide range of topics, from politics and current events to social justice and human interest stories.

Usigbe, a fantastic storyteller, in addition to his coverage of the State House, was an authority in political reporting and had distinguished himself in the coverage of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) activities. He was loved and held in high esteem by his colleagues throughout his journalism sojourn.

One thing that stood out about Usigbe, a widely travelled journalist, was his passion for the job. He was a dedicated and thoroughbred professional whose contributions profoundly impacted journalism.

His unwavering commitment to truth and integrity will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the media world.

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