The media community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Patrick Odey, a correspondent of The PUNCH in Akwa Ibom State.
Odey, who was 63, died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 1, 2026, his son, Benedict Odey, confirmed on Wednesday.
Benedict disclosed that his father’s remains had been taken to a morgue in their hometown in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The family has announced Friday, October 2, for a night of songs and tributes in his honour. His burial is scheduled for the following day, Saturday, October 3, in Ogoja.
Born on October 1, 1963, Odey was married to Alice Odey, with whom he had six children — five boys and a girl.
The late journalist began his education at Ntol Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogoja, before proceeding to the University of Port Harcourt, where he obtained a degree in English and Literary Studies. He later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
Odey had built a career spanning more than two decades and worked for several newspapers, including Post Express, Daily Champion and Daily Trust, before joining The PUNCH.
He remained active in journalism until his death, covering events in Akwa Ibom and contributing to public-interest reporting in the state.
His passing has generated reactions from journalists and colleagues across the country, particularly in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The PUNCH Regional Editor for the South-South and South-East, Olufowobi Olusesan, expressed shock over the development, describing Odey’s death as “very sad and painful”.
The PUNCH correspondent in Rivers State, Dennis Naku, recalled speaking with Odey on Sunday, August 30, just two days before his death. According to Naku, the deceased sounded healthy and energetic during their conversation.
Naku also remembered him as an open-minded and easy-going journalist.
A former colleague at Daily Trust, Eyo Charles, paid tribute to Odey, describing him as “a calm, humble and hardworking colleague”.
He said, “He was my counterpart in Akwa Ibom as a correspondent for Daily Trust before joining The PUNCH. He was such a calm, humble and hardworking colleague. May his soul rest in peace.”
Tony Itam Etim, a journalist with the Southern Examiner in Cross River State, also mourned Odey, whom he had known for more than 16 years.
Etim described the deceased as “a cerebral and committed journalist with a deep passion for his job”, recalling that they had worked together at Champion Newspapers.
He said Odey was previously the newspaper’s correspondent in Nasarawa State and also served as chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel there.
Etim said, “I have known him for more than 16 years, dating back to when we worked together at Champion Newspapers. Odey was a jolly good fellow. He was a very cerebral, committed and passionate journalist.
“He always met deadlines and was always at peace with everyone. He never had issues or disagreements with people. He was my in-law, and we had a deep personal relationship beyond our professional relationship. May God have mercy on him and may his soul rest in peace,” he added.
