Tears, Tributes as PUNCH Correspondent Patrick Odey Goes Home at 62

The remains of The PUNCH Akwa Ibom State Correspondent, Patrick Odey, were laid to rest on Saturday in Mbube community, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, amid tributes from family, colleagues, government officials and members of the media.

Odey, who died at the age of 62, is survived by his wife, six children and grandchildren.

At the funeral service, representatives of PUNCH Nigeria Limited paid tribute to the late journalist, describing him as a dedicated professional whose contributions to journalism and the organisation would be fondly remembered.
Delivering a condolence message on behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the company, Cross River State Correspondent, Emem Julius, expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.

“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,” he said.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, also described Odey’s death as a significant loss to both his family and the state, noting that the journalist played a role in documenting the development and stories of Akwa Ibom through his work.

The governor’s message, delivered by his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Essien Ndueso, praised Odey’s commitment to journalism and public service.

“His contributions to journalism and our state will be remembered and will be greatly missed.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with his family, the management and staff of The Punch newspaper, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, and the entire media community, and pray that God Almighty grants everyone affected by this painful loss strength and fortitude to bear it,” the governor said.

The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akwa Ibom State, Bassey Anthony, described the late correspondent as a humble and peaceful colleague who upheld professional standards in journalism.

Anthony, who attended the burial alongside members of the chapel, noted that it was the second time in two years the body had buried one of its members following the death of Vanguard correspondent Chioma Okonna.

Also paying tribute, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Uyo branch, Prof. Opeyemi Olajide, and the union’s National Financial Secretary, Prof. Happiness Uduk, described Odey as a devoted Christian whose life left a positive impact on those around him.

In a sermon at the funeral, Rev. Offiong Eyo of Assemblies of God Church, Afaha Oku, urged Christians to live lives of purpose and faith, describing death as the transition to eternal reward.

He said Odey remained committed to serving God during his lifetime and prayed for strength and comfort for his family in the period of mourning.