NUJ Mourns Leon Usigbe, Samson Fagbemi

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Kaduna State Council, has mourned the demise of veteran Journalist Dr Leon Usigbe and seasoned mass communication lecturer, Dr Samson Fagbemi.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Comrade Abdulgafar Alabelewe and Secretary, Comrade Gambo Santos Sanga, the Union expressed deep regrets over the loss of the duo.

” The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Kaduna State Council is deeply saddened over the passing of two distinguished figures- Dr Leon Usigbe and Dr Samson Fagbemi whose contributions to journalism practice and media education will remain indelible in the annals of the profession in Kaduna State and the country as a whole.

” Dr Leon Usigbe until his demised in the early hours of today Saturday 27th July,2025 in Abuja, was the Abuja bureau chief of the Nigerian Tribune.

” A respected journalist and former member of the kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.

” Dr Usigbe was known and would be remembered for his professionalism, generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.

” Similarly, the council mourns the demise of Dr Samson Fagbemi,a veteran mass communication scholar who died earlier this week in Kaduna after a brief illness.

” Dr Samson Fagbemi played a formative role in the academic journey of many Journalists in Kaduna and beyond.

” He was a long – serving lecturer with the Department of mass communication, kaduna polytechnic and a pioneer visiting lecturer at the kaduna study center of the international institute of journalism (IIJ), where many kaduna based Journalists passed through his tutelage.

” Both Late Dr Usigbe and Samson Fagbemi we’re builders of men and institutions as their lives were dedicated to shaping a vibrant media landscape and empowering journalists through practice and pedagogy.

” The NUJ Kaduna State Council extends it’s heartfelt condolences to they deceased families, friends, professional colleagues and the journalism and Academic communities while also praying for God Almighty to grant their souls eternal rest in peace and give their immediate families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.” the statement added.