{"id":121035,"date":"2025-07-26T23:39:18","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T22:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=121035"},"modified":"2025-07-26T23:39:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T22:39:18","slug":"tinubu-minister-mourn-veteran-journalist-usigbe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/tinubu-minister-mourn-veteran-journalist-usigbe\/","title":{"rendered":"Tinubu, Minister mourn veteran journalist, Usigbe"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Myke Agunwa, Abuja<\/div>\n
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President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of the Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune Newspapers and member of the State House Press Corps, Dr. Leon Usigbe.<\/div>\n
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Dr. Usigbe died\u00a0 in Abuja on Friday night after a brief illness.<\/div>\n
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In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Saturday, Tinubu described 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.<\/div>\n
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The President highlighted Usigbe\u2019s contributions to to the media profession and Nigeria\u2019s democratic process, noting that his insightful reporting and calm demeanour were instrumental in strengthening democratic governance.<\/div>\n
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His work, the President added, played a crucial role in keeping the public well-informed about the intricate workings of the presidency and the government at large.<\/div>\n
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\u201cI extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire Statehouse Press Corps.<\/div>\n
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\u201cMay Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this great loss,\u201d the President said.<\/div>\n
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On the same note , the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said that the demise of Dr. Usigbe is\u00a0 \u201ca monumental loss, not only to Tribune Newspaper and the journalism profession but also to the entire nation.\u201d<\/div>\n
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In a condolence message on Saturday, the minister described the death as a heartbreaking and profound loss to the Nigerian media industry.<\/div>\n
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\u201cIt 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,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n
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Idris paid glowing tribute to Usigbe hailing him as \u201can outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape.<\/div>\n
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\u201cHis work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good.<\/div>\n
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\u201cAs 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,\u201d Idris added.<\/div>\n
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The minister recalled Usigbe\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n
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\u201cI 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 \u2014 all in service of a more informed and engaged society,\u201d the message read.<\/div>\n
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\u201cNigeria has lost one of its finest media minds \u2014 a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike,\u201d he added.<\/div>\n
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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 \u201cheartfelt 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.<\/div>\n
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\u201cMay 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,\u201d the message concluded.<\/div>\n
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