Farewell To Msgr Gabriel Osu: The Priest Who Became Journalists’ Trusted Friend
By Peter Ajayi Dada
The true measure of a life is often reflected in the people it touches.
For Very Rev. Msgr Gabriel Sunday Osu, that measure was evident in the extraordinary gathering of clergy, journalists, parishioners, family members and friends who assembled at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, on 28 May 2026 to bid him a final farewell.
Msgr Osu, who died on 8 May after a prolonged illness, was not only a devoted Catholic priest but also one of Nigeria’s most respected Church communicators and a trusted friend of the media.
His passing marked the end of an era in Catholic communications and journalism relations in Nigeria.
The funeral Mass was led by Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and Bishop John Oyejola of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, alongside more than 150 priests drawn from dioceses across the country.
The congregation included religious sisters, members of the Knights of the Church, parishioners from various Catholic communities, representatives of youth organisations, family members led by Mr Paul Osu from Ubulu-Uku in Delta State, and numerous well-wishers.
Yet among the mourners, one group stood out prominently: journalists.
Led by the Chairman of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Lagos Archdiocese chapter, Mr Philip Nwosu, media professionals from print, broadcast and digital platforms arrived early to honour a man who had spent more than four decades cultivating a unique relationship between the Church and the press.
For many journalists, Msgr Osu was far more than a priest. He was a dependable source, a mentor, a bridge-builder and a communicator who understood the crucial role of the media in shaping society.
Throughout his priestly ministry, he remained deeply committed to the Social Communications Apostolate of the Catholic Church.
While the priesthood was his primary calling, communication became one of his most impactful ministries.
As Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Msgr Osu became a household name among journalists.
His office was often the first port of call for reporters seeking clarification on Church positions, national issues or social concerns.
Unlike many public figures, he was always accessible.
A simple telephone call was often enough to secure an interview, background information or thoughtful commentary.
His warm disposition, infectious smile and ability to explain complex issues made him a favourite among reporters and editors alike.
Significantly, journalists trusted him because he valued accuracy and fairness.
He was rarely, if ever, involved in disputes over misquotation or misrepresentation. His interactions with the media were built on mutual respect and professionalism.
The funeral Mass reflected the depth of his influence.
Delivering the homily, the Episcopal Vicar for the Lekki Region, Very Rev. Fr Paschal Nwaezeapu, described the late priest as a charitable man who dedicated his life to serving the poor and vulnerable.
Archbishop Martins echoed those sentiments, highlighting Msgr Osu’s commitment to justice, equity and human rights.
According to the Archbishop, the late priest consistently used his public interventions and commentaries to advocate for the marginalised and speak against injustice.
The Archbishop noted that, were he alive, Msgr Osu would have been deeply troubled by the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren in rural communities of Oyo State, an issue he would undoubtedly have condemned publicly.
Beyond his parish assignments, Msgr Osu played a pivotal role in advancing Catholic media practice in Nigeria.
For more than 45 years, he championed the Social Communications Apostolate through various local, national and international Church platforms.
He worked closely with generations of priests and lay media practitioners across the Catholic Ecclesiastical Provinces of Lagos and Ibadan.
His efforts contributed significantly to strengthening media engagement within the Church and promoting professional excellence among Catholic journalists.
One of his notable achievements was supporting the emergence and growth of CAMPAN. In 2018, he successfully appealed to Archbishop Martins to host CAMPAN’s first national congress in Lagos following the association’s formal inauguration the previous year.
That congress became a landmark event in the history of Catholic journalism in Nigeria, bringing together media practitioners from across the country and strengthening collaboration between Church communicators and secular media professionals.
His contributions extended beyond administration and advocacy.
Msgr Osu was also an accomplished author whose works included In Service of God and Humanity, My Commentary on Nigeria and Springboard to Salvation.
Through his writings, he continued to engage society on faith, governance, morality and national development.
Perhaps his greatest legacy, however, lies in the relationships he built.
For decades, he made journalists feel valued and respected. He understood the pressures of the profession and often went out of his way to support those covering religious affairs and other beats.
Many journalists who gathered at Holy Cross Cathedral did not come merely to report a funeral. They came to honour a friend.
As the Church committed his remains to Mother Earth, it became clear that Msgr Gabriel Osu’s influence transcended the pulpit.
He was a priest of the people, a communicator of uncommon grace and a bridge between the Church and the media.
His life demonstrated that communication, when rooted in truth, compassion and service, can become a powerful instrument of evangelisation and social transformation.
Even in death, Msgr Osu continues to inspire.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Peter Ajayi Dada is a retired Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and immediate past National Secretary of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN).
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