PUNCH reporter Patrick Odey buried in Cross River

The remains of Patrick Odey, the Akwa Ibom State correspondent of The PUNCH, were laid to rest in Mbube, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, on Saturday. Odey, who was 62, is survived by his wife, six children and grandchildren. He died recently after working as a correspondent for The PUNCH.

In a condolence message, Emem Julius, the Cross River correspondent of The PUNCH, represented the board, management and staff of PUNCH Nigeria Limited. The organisation described Odey as a valued staff member whose commitment to journalism would be remembered. The message said his death was a painful loss to his family, colleagues and the wider journalism profession.

It also prayed for comfort for his relatives and eternal rest for the deceased. Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno described Odey’s death as a loss to the state and the media industry. His Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Essien Ndueso, read the governor’s message and commended the reporter for highlighting developmental activities in Akwa Ibom through his work.

Bassey Anthony, chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akwa Ibom, described Odey as peaceful and humble. Anthony said the chapel was burying a member for the second consecutive year, following the death of Vanguard journalist Chioma Okonna in 2025. Academic representatives also attended the burial.

Opeyemi Olajide, chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ University of Uyo branch, said Odey lived an exemplary life. Rev. Offiong Eyo urged Christians to live godly lives and prayed for comfort for the family.