President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Dr. Leon Usigbe, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Tribune Newspapers and a distinguished member of the State House Press Corps.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Usigbe, a respected journalist known for his professionalism and integrity, passed away on Friday night after a brief illness.

In a condolence statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late journalist, describing him as a veteran correspondent whose dedication to truth, balance, and ethical reporting earned him admiration across the media landscape, among public officials, and from readers nationwide.

“Dr. Usigbe’s insightful reporting and calm demeanour contributed immensely to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process,” Tinubu noted. “His work kept the public informed about the intricate workings of the presidency and government at large.”

The President extended heartfelt sympathies to Usigbe’s family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire State House Press Corps:

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

Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also expressed profound grief over Usigbe’s death.

In his own condolence message on Saturday, Idris described the loss as heartbreaking, calling Usigbe:

“An outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media.”

He praised Usigbe’s unwavering integrity, depth, and dedication to the public good, noting how his thoughtful interventions during ministerial press briefings and Presidential Villa engagements elevated public discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media.

“As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting,” Idris added. “Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose courage and clarity of purpose earned him widespread respect.”

The Minister extended his condolences to Usigbe’s family, Tribune management and staff, the media industry, and the people of Edo State, the late journalist’s home state:

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

Dr. Leon Usigbe was widely regarded as a meticulous reporter whose quiet but impactful presence enriched the State House Press Corps and the Nigerian media community.