A correspondent of The PUNCH in Akwa Ibom State, Patrick Odey, has died at the age of 63.
Odey died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 1, 2026, according to his son, Benedict Odey, who confirmed the death in a telephone conversation with The PUNCH on Wednesday.
Benedict said his father’s remains had been deposited at a morgue in his hometown in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The family has fixed Friday, October 2, for a night of songs and tributes, while his burial and interment will take place on Saturday, October 3, in Ogoja.
Born on October 1, 1963, Odey was married to Alice Odey, and their union produced six children—five boys and a girl.
He began his education at Ntol Comprehensive Secondary School in Ogoja before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Literary Studies from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He also earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
Odey had spent more than 22 years working in the media industry and, until his death, served as The PUNCH correspondent in Akwa Ibom State.
Before joining The PUNCH, he worked with several major Nigerian newspapers, including Post Express, Daily Champion and Daily Trust.
Throughout his career, he was known for his commitment to journalism, detailed reporting and public-interest stories.
His death has generated tributes from journalists and colleagues across Akwa Ibom, Cross River State and other parts of the country, with many describing his passing as a major loss to the journalism profession.
The PUNCH Regional Editor for the South-South and South-East, Olufowobi Olusesan, said he was shocked by Odey’s sudden death, describing it as “very sad and painful”.
The PUNCH correspondent in Rivers State, Dennis Naku, also recalled speaking with Odey on Sunday, August 30, saying the journalist sounded healthy and energetic.
Eyo Charles of Daily Trust, who worked alongside Odey when both were correspondents in Akwa Ibom, described 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 reporter with the Southern Examiner in Cross River State, described Odey as “a cerebral and committed journalist with a deep passion for his job”.
Etim said he had known Odey for more than 16 years, dating back to their time working together at Champion Newspapers.
He added, “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.”
Odey had also served as the state correspondent for Champion Newspapers in Nasarawa State and was once chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel in the state.
His colleagues and associates have continued to mourn the veteran journalist, remembering him for his professionalism, humility, peaceful disposition and dedication to his work.
