Late PUNCH reporter Odey buried

The remains of the Akwa Ibom State Correspondent of The PUNCH, Patrick Odey, were laid to rest in Mbube in the Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State on Saturday.

Odey, 62, who died recently, is survived by his wife, six children, and grandchildren.

Delivering a condolence message on behalf of the Board, Management, and staff of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, the Cross River State Correspondent, Emem Julius, commiserated with the bereaved family over the loss.

“On behalf of the Board, Management, and entire staff of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, we extend our heartfelt condolences to this family on the passing of your beloved husband and father, Mr Patrick Odey, who served as our Akwa Ibom State Correspondent,” the message read.

Describing the late reporter as a valued staff member, The PUNCH noted that his death was a painful loss to his family, colleagues, and the journalism profession.

“Patrick was a valued member of The PUNCH family whose commitment to journalism and contribution to our organisation will be remembered,” the statement added.

“At this difficult time, we pray God comforts the entire family and grants his soul eternal rest,” the message noted.

In a condolence message, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, described Odey’s death as a loss to the state and the media industry.

Reading the message on the governor’s behalf, his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, commended Odey for highlighting developmental activities in Akwa Ibom State through his reporting.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with his family, The PUNCH management, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the media community,” Eno said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Bassey Anthony, described Odey as a peaceful and humble colleague who promoted excellence in journalism.

Anthony lamented that the chapel was burying a member for the second consecutive year, following the passing of Chioma Okonna of Vanguard Newspaper in 2025.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Uyo Branch, Prof. Opeyemi Olajide, who attended with the ASUU National Financial Secretary, Prof. Happiness Uduk, noted that the late journalist lived an exemplary life.

In his exhortation, Rev. Offiong Eyo of the Assemblies of God, Afaha Oku, urged Christians to live godly lives, commending the late reporter’s service to the church and praying for comfort for his family.