President Bola Tinubu has conveyed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Leon Habby Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune newspaper and a correspondent with nearly twenty years of experience covering the presidency.
Dr. Usigbe passed away on the night of Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, Abuja, following a brief illness.
President Tinubu expressed sadness over the passing of Dr. Usigbe, describing him as a veteran STATEHOUSE Correspondent and professional, according to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu confirmed that the deceased, who until his death, was the Northern Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, was “a cherished member of the State House Press Corps.”
President Tinubu acknowledged Dr. Usigbe’s dedication to truth, balance, and ethical journalism, which earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials, and readers nationwide.
He said 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.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire Statehouse Press Corps.
“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this great loss,” the President said.
On his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed deep sorrow over Usigbe’s death.
In a condolence message issued on Saturday, the Minister described the death as a heartbreaking and profound loss to the Nigerian media industry.
“It is with profound shock and deep sadness that I received the heartbreaking news of the sudden demise of Dr. Leon Habby Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune Newspaper,” he noted.
Minister Idris paid glowing tribute to the senior journalist, hailing him as ‘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,” he noted.
Minister Idris recalled Usigbe’s eloquent interventions at media briefings in Abuja, particularly at the Federal Ministry of Information and the Presidential Villa, adding that his interventions helped to bridge the gap between the government and the media.
“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,” the message noted.
Idris also described his death as ‘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,” he said.
The minister extended condolences to the family of the Late Usigbe, and the media industry, on behalf of the Federal Ministry and in his capacity, stating “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.
