By Citizenship Newspaper
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi has expressed regrets over the death of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune Newspaper.
News of the death of Dr Usigbe emerged on Friday after he was hospitalized for a few weeks on account of ill health.
In a statement personally signed by him on Saturday, the Information Minister, Malagi expressed profound shock and deep sadness over the heartbreaking news of the sudden demise of Dr. Leon Habby Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune Newspaper.
Malagi said “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” the Information Minister said.
