Kaduna The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) mourns the passing of veteran journalist and mass communication lecturer Dr. Leon Usigbe and Dr. Samson Fagbemi

The State House of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of two highly respected figures in the Nigerian media and academia, Dr. Leon Usigbe and Dr. Samson Fagbemi, describing their passing as a great loss to the field of journalism and communication studies in Nigeria. Kaduna Dr. Usigbe was the President of the Nigerian Tribune until his death

, while Dr. Fagbemi was a senior mass communication lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and one of the pioneers of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) Learning Centre. Abuja The NUJ hailed the two doctors as “builders of people and institutions” whose lives were marked by “professional excellence, academic excellence and the advancement of the Nigerian media industry”. Kaduna Polytechnic In a joint statement signed by the union’s council chairman Kaduna Abdulgafar Alabelewe and secretary Gambo Santos on Saturday in

, the union said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of their deaths.

The statement read: “Dr. Leon Usigbe passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 27, 2025, in Alhaji.” Kaduna According to the union, the Nigerian Tribune journalist was not only a consummate media professional, but also a former member of the

NUJ family before moving to the capital. Abuja “Usigbe was known and remembered for his professionalism. Leon will be remembered for his generosity and unwavering commitment to the development of journalism in Nigeria,” the National Union of Journalists of Nigeria said.

Usigbe was one of Nigeria’s leading political journalists before his death, covering multiple issues for the Tribune with extraordinary insight and dedication over the years, including the election and the election of the President of the Republic of Villar. Kaduna He was also admired for his calm demeanor and deep understanding of public affairs reporting.

“Leon was a journalist. He inspired many young journalists and mentored many newsroom leaders.” “His pen was fearless and his principles were never for sale,” said Alabelewe, who was also the bureau chief of The Nation

newspaper.

“His passing leaves a gap in political reporting that will be hard to fill,” added the president of the National Association of Journalists of Nigeria.

On the death of Dr. Samson Fagbemi. Earlier this week, the council said the communications scholar had left a lasting legacy for journalism education in northern Nigeria. Kaduna “Dr. Fagbemi played an important role in the academic careers of many journalists in Nigeria and other countries. He was a long-time lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication and a pioneer guest lecturer at the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ)

Research Centre,” the statement read.

The National Association of Journalists of Nigeria said many of its members in Nigeria and other countries had been mentored by him and could attest to his commitment to developing not only professionals but also ethical thinkers and critical communicators.

“Dr. Fagbemi was an exceptional journalist, a seasoned journalist who was committed to developing not only professionals but also ethical thinkers and critical communicators.” Fagbemi was more than a teacher; he was a mentor, a disciplinarian and a friend to all who crossed his path. His teaching was disciplined and visionary. His students today hold important positions in media houses, public institutions and academia. Kaduna