The late Dr. Leon Usigbe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commiserated with the family, colleagues, the Nigerian Tribune and the State House Press Corps over the death of Leon Usigbe, PhD, the Abuja Bureau Editor of Tribune Newspapers.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Usigbe died on Friday July 25, 2025, following a brief illness, according to information made available by some of his colleagues and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, which has been thrown into mourning.
In a condolence message, President Tinubu described Dr. Usigbe as a veteran State House Correspondent and professional whose dedication to truth, balance, and ethical journalism earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials, and readers nationwide.
A press statement by, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, noted that Usigbe’s insightful reporting and calm demeanour contributed immensely to strengthening democratic governance and keeping the public well-informed about the workings of the presidency and government at large.
The President said, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire State House Press Corps. May the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this great loss.”
The NUJ in a statement announcing Usigbe’s death, described him as a respected senior member of the Union.
In the statement issued on Friday and signed by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ FCT described Leon Usigbe’s passing as a monumental loss to the journalism profession and the union.
According to the Union, he was initially treated at the State House Clinic before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), where he died.
The Council noted that Dr. Usigbe, who hailed from Uromi, Edo State, was a thoroughbred professional who distinguished himself over the years through hard work, dedication, and deep commitment to the ethics of journalism.
He began his career with Vanguard Newspapers, reporting from Katsina, Kaduna, and Abuja, with special focus on the House of Representatives.
He later served as Media Aide to former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari, before returning to Vanguard and subsequently joined the Nigerian Tribune, where he rose to the position of Bureau Chief in Abuja.
He covered major political beats, including the State House and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Dr. Usigbe was a journalist to be proud of, an embodiment of integrity, professionalism, and commitment.
“He was a tireless reporter, passionate about truth, fairness, and giving voice to the voiceless. His sudden exit is a painful reminder of the sacrifices journalists make in the line of duty,” the NUJ FCT Council stated.
The Council emphasised that his death had created a deep void, especially at a time when credible journalism was crucial to nation-building, peace, and accountability.
According to the Union, “His contributions to journalism in Nigeria were immense, and his legacy will continue to inspire younger colleagues. He upheld the highest standards of ethics and storytelling throughout his career”.
The NUJ FCT Council extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, the management of Nigerian Tribune, his colleagues, and friends, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the loss.