It was a bittersweet Sunday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Karshi as family, friends, colleagues, and parishioners gathered to give thanks for the life of Dr. Leon Usigbe, the veteran journalist and Abuja Bureau Chief of Nigerian Tribune, whose passing on July 25 left a deep void in Nigeria’s media community.
The atmosphere was a blend of grief and gratitude—grief for a beloved husband, father, and mentor now gone, and gratitude for a life that touched so many.
Speaking after the Thanksgiving Mass, Dr. Usigbe’s eldest son, Leroy, fought back emotion as he reflected on the impact of his father’s life. “We came to thank God for my dad’s life—although short, it was a good life,” he said. “The turnout at his burial was overwhelming. I knew my dad was loved, but the crowd I saw was unbelievable. People came from far and wide. It showed me how much of a difference he made.”
Leroy admitted the experience had changed him: “The dad I knew at home and the dad people outside knew weren’t exactly the same. Hearing their stories, seeing their tears, I realized he loved people deeply. And that’s what I want to emulate now—I want to love like my father did. I want to open up more, be friendlier, and touch more lives.”
He offered a poignant piece of advice: “Take photos and videos with your parents. Don’t wait. I searched for selfies with my dad and found only three. Memories fade, but pictures help you hold on.”
The Usigbe family’s pain was evident. “Losing a loved one leaves a hole in your heart that nothing can fill,” Leroy said quietly. “Crying doesn’t help. Anger doesn’t help. You just feel helpless. But time will heal.”
Dr. Leon Usigbe, who was 62, was celebrated throughout his career for his integrity, humility, and sharp journalistic instincts. Colleagues described him as a mentor who shaped younger reporters and a friend whose kindness crossed professional boundaries.
As the Thanksgiving ended, the gathering transformed from mourning to celebration. Through prayers, hymns, and memories, those present vowed to carry forward the values Leon Usigbe embodied: compassion, excellence, and an unwavering love for people.
His son’s words lingered in the church air long after the service: “If I can love half as much as my dad did, I’ll know I’ve lived a meaningful life.”
