The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has condoled the management and staff of Tribune Newspapers over the death of its Abuja Bureau Chief, Dr Leon Usigbe.
Idris also commiserated with the government of Edo as well as friends and family of the deceased for the loss.
Idris, in a statement he personally signed on Saturday in Abuja, described Usigbe as an outstanding journalist, highly cerebral professional, and a shining light in Nigeria’s media landscape.
“His work(s) 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 my ministry, 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,” he said .
The minister said Usigbe’s contributions were all in the service of a more informed and engaged society.
According to the minister, Usigbe’s death is a monumental loss, not only to Tribune Newspaper and the journalism profession but also to the entire nation.
He said Nigeria had 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.
“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,”Idris said.
