Nigerian Tribune mourns photojournalist, Felix Onigbinde

The management of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publisher of Nigerian Tribune titles, has expressed grief over the death of its staff member, Mr Felix Onigbinde, describing him as a dedicated professional whose commitment to journalism, professionalism and kindness left a lasting impression on colleagues.

Onigbinde, who died on Saturday, October 17, 2026, was remembered for his dedication, perseverance and contributions to journalism, particularly photojournalism, during his career with different media organisations.

In a sermon titled “Death Is Gain,” Pastor Ogbada Sunday, Pastoral Assistant and Regional Minister of the Healing Region of the Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel, Durumi, Abuja, urged Christians to live purposefully, fulfil their God-given assignments and remain conscious of eternity.

Drawing from Philippians 1:21, which states, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” the pastor said death should not be viewed solely with fear, explaining that believers in Christ had the hope of eternal life.

He cited Hebrews 9:27, which states that it is appointed unto human beings to die once, followed by judgment, to remind the congregation that death was an inevitable part of human existence.

According to him, earthly possessions, wealth, and social status cannot accompany anyone beyond the grave, making it necessary for people to focus on spiritual preparedness rather than material acquisitions.

The pastor said, “You came to this world with nothing. It is certain that you are going back with nothing. When a man dies, all his beautiful houses and cars will not follow him to heaven. It is not possible.

“All the money, all the gold, all the jewellery. A time is coming when the whole of this earth will melt away. Everything will be destroyed. So why the grace? Why the hustle and bustle? You just want to live in this earth forever. It is not possible.”

Addressing the congregation on the Christian understanding of death, Sunday said believers should take comfort in the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

He referenced John 11:25, in which Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life, and John 14:1–3, where Christ assures His followers that He is preparing a place for them in His Father’s house.

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The cleric said the belief in eternal life should encourage Christians to approach death with confidence while remaining committed to their responsibilities on earth.

“Believers don’t die. They only sleep in the Lord. They only transit into glory. That is why they say, transition into glory. They go to rest in peace with the Lord,” he said.

He, however, urged the congregation not to interpret the message as an encouragement to seek death, but as a call to live courageously for Christ and fulfil their divine assignments.

Emphasising the importance of making good use of one’s time, Sunday drew from Psalm 90:12, which states, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

He explained that numbering one’s days involved identifying and using one’s gifts, talents and opportunities to fulfil God’s purpose while alive.

“Don’t waste life. Don’t waste the time you have. Teach us to number our days. Make the most of life while you are still alive,” the pastor said.

He urged the congregation to identify their individual assignments and pursue them diligently, noting that the uncertainty surrounding the timing of death made it important for everyone to live purposefully.

Referencing 2 Timothy 4:7, which states, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” the cleric challenged the mourners to examine their lives and ensure they completed their God-given assignments.

“What is your course? Identify it. Finish it. Run with it. Before death comes,” he said.

Reflecting on Onigbinde’s passing, Sunday said the deceased’s family and associates had made efforts to secure his recovery, but acknowledged that some circumstances were beyond human control.

He urged the bereaved family to draw comfort from their faith, stressing that the Christian message of hope remained relevant even in moments of grief.

The pastor concluded with Revelation 21:4, which promises that God will wipe away every tear and that death, sorrow, crying and pain will eventually come to an end.

Earlier, the service featured a reading from Psalm 90:1–12, which reflected on God’s eternal nature, the brevity of human life and the need for wisdom in making the most of one’s days.

The passage described human life as fleeting, comparing people to grass that flourishes in the morning but withers by evening.

It also highlighted the limits of human existence, noting that the typical lifespan of 70 years, or 80 years for those with greater strength, is marked by labour and sorrow before life comes to an end.

The reading concluded with the prayer: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Delivering a condolence message on behalf of the management of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, Mr Taiwo Amodu, said the organisation received the news of Onigbinde’s death with deep shock and profound sadness.

Reading the management’s letter, Amodu said the deceased was a valued and respected member of the organisation whose dedication, professionalism and kindness enriched the workplace.

He said, “Mr Onigbinde was a deeply valued and respected member of our organisation. During his time with us, he brought not only dedication, professionalism and excellence to his work, but also a warmth and kindness that greatly enriched our workplace.

“He will be remembered fondly by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.”

The management expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues and associates, praying that God would comfort them and grant his soul eternal rest.

The letter added that the management and staff of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc would deeply miss his conscientiousness and diligence.

Earlier, the deceased’s daughter, Faith Onigbinde, read his biography, stating that he was born on February 16, 1977, in Modakeke, Osun State.

According to the biography, his father, Mr G.O. Onigbinde, hailed from Jagunmode, Modakeke, while his mother, Mrs Abiodun Onibide, was from Itakogun, Ile-Ife. He was the first child of his mother.

Onigbinde attended St. Stephen’s Primary School, Apostolic Grammar School and St. Peter’s Grammar School in Ile-Ife before proceeding to the University of Abuja, where he studied Public Administration.

He subsequently built a career in journalism and photojournalism, working with Daily Times and Daily Trust newspapers, where he gained experience in news gathering, photography, reporting and writing.

In 2024, he joined Nigerian Tribune, where he continued to practise photojournalism with a commitment to professional ethics and excellence. He also received several awards in photojournalism during his career.

The biography described him as a hardworking professional whose career was marked by dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to his craft.

Onigbinde was married to Mrs Blessing Onigbinde, and their union was blessed with three children.

His death, according to the biography, has left a painful void in the lives of his family, colleagues, friends and associates, while his contributions to journalism and the memories he created with those around him remain part of his legacy.