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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

PUNCH’s Akwa Ibom correspondent Patrick Odey dies at 62

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Patrick Odey, The PUNCH’s Akwa Ibom correspondent, died on September 1, 2026, at the age of 62, his son said.
  • His family plans a night of songs and tributes on October 2, followed by his burial in Ogoja, Cross River State, on October 3.
  • Colleagues remembered Odey as a calm, hardworking and committed journalist with a career spanning more than two decades.

Patrick Odey, The PUNCH’s correspondent in Akwa Ibom State, has died at 62 after more than 22 years in journalism.

His son, Benedict Odey, confirmed that he died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 1, 2026. His remains were taken to a morgue in his hometown in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State. The family has scheduled a night of songs and tributes for Friday, October 2, with the burial and interment to follow on Saturday, October 3.

Very sad and painful.

— Olufowobi OlusesanThe PUNCH regional editor described Odey’s death in a condolence message.

Odey was born on October 1, 1963. He studied English and Literary Studies at the University of Port Harcourt and later earned a postgraduate diploma in mass communication from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism in Lagos. Before joining The PUNCH, he worked with Post Express, Daily Champion and Daily Trust.

A calm, humble and hardworking colleague.

— Eyo CharlesThe Daily Trust journalist recalled Odey’s character and professional relationship.

Colleagues across Akwa Ibom, Cross River and the wider media community paid tribute to him. The PUNCH regional editor, Olufowobi Olusesan, described his death as “very sad and painful.” Rivers correspondent Dennis Naku said Odey was open-minded and easygoing, adding that he had spoken with him days earlier and that he sounded healthy and energetic.

Eyo Charles of Daily Trust remembered him as “a calm, humble and hardworking colleague.” Tony Etim of the Southern Examiner described him as “a cerebral and committed journalist with a deep passion for his job.” Odey is survived by his wife, Alice, and six children, five boys and one girl.

A cerebral and committed journalist with a deep passion for his job.

— Tony EtimThe Southern Examiner reporter paid tribute to Odey’s professional dedication.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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