The quiet town of Karshi, Abuja, was awash with grief on Saturday as friends, parishioners, and journalists from across Nigeria gathered to bid farewell to Dr. Leon Usigbe, the revered Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune.
His burial, attended by colleagues, dignitaries, and church members, became a poignant celebration of a life defined by integrity, humility, and service.
Under a grey, solemn sky, the late journalist’s casket, draped in white was carried by pallbearers into St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
At the entrance, the priest received it with holy water, candles, a Bible, and a white pall, symbols of faith and eternal life. By the time Rev. Fr. David Osagie Akahomhen began the funeral mass, emotions had already overcome many mourners.
Usigbe, who passed on July 25 after a brief illness, was remembered not only as a consummate professional but as a man whose quiet generosity touched countless lives. Preaching from Wisdom 4:7–15 and Romans 8:14–23, Rev. Fr. Osagie spoke with a trembling voice:
“Leon was a man who offered support to the church, helped those around him shine, and faced life’s battles with courage. Even in his final days, he wrote to me: ‘Please Father, don’t worry about me. I have lived a good life.’ That is the mark of a man at peace with God.”
Tears rolled freely as the casket was lowered into the earth at 12:40 p.m. in his Karshi residence. The mourners’ wails echoed across the compound—a chorus of anguish for a beloved journalist whose pen had chronicled Nigeria’s political heartbeat for decades.
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, led by Chairperson Grace Ike, joined editors, State House correspondents, and Tribune staff to honor a colleague they described as “steadfast, ethical, and deeply humane.” Prince Jacob Segun Olatunji, Acting Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune, said:
“Leon distinguished himself in every assignment. His professionalism was unmatched, and his loyalty to his craft unwavering. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill.”
Representing the Presidency’s media team, Stanley Nkwocha conveyed condolences on behalf of Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, adding:
“Leon was a gentleman with an infectious optimism. He embodied the best of journalism—truth, fairness, and compassion.”
Fred Ituah, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, used the moment to call for solidarity among journalists:
“His death is shocking, but it’s a reminder—let us always look out for one another. Many didn’t know he was ill until it was too late. We must be our brothers’ keeper.”
The most emotional tribute came from Barrister Osose Ivy Usigbe, Leon’s daughter, who clutched the podium, her voice breaking:
“To the world, he was Dr. Leon Usigbe, the journalist. To us, he was our rock—our foundation and strength. He gave love freely, valued honesty above all, and treated everyone with humility. Daddy was our hero, and today we let him go, but his light will never fade.”
As the final spadefuls of earth covered the grave, a hush fell over the mourners. For a moment, the world seemed still—united in the memory of a man whose words shaped headlines but whose character shaped hearts.
