The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has confirmed the death of former director of communications Very Rev. Gabriel Osu who died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
Director of public affairs of the archdiocese Anthony Godonu confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
“He had actually been ill for a while before his passing, but he remained committed to his calling,” Godonu said.
Born on September 5, 1954 in Ubulu Uku, Delta State, Osu attended St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Surulere before proceeding to St Theresa’s Minor Seminary in Ibadan.
He later studied at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he received his priestly formation.
Osu was ordained a Catholic priest on December 5, 1981 by Archbishop Olubunmi Okogie at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Ebute Metta, Lagos.
He began his ministry at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, where he served under the Archbishop of Lagos and later became administrator of the cathedral between 1982 and 1985.
Osu also served as master of ceremony during the 1982 visit of Pope John Paul II to Nigeria.
After further studies in moral theology in Rome, he returned to Lagos in 1987. He served in different parishes and schools including St Gregory’s College, Holy Child College, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Egbe, St John the Evangelist Catholic Church Ladipo Oshodi, St Paul’s Catholic Church, Oyingbo and St Michael’s Catholic Church, Lafiaji.
He later became director of social communications for the Lagos archdiocese, a position he held until 2019 when he was succeeded by Godonu.
Osu also served as editor-in-chief of the Catholic Herald and was known for his contributions to Catholic journalism and public communication.
Until his death, he was parish priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Lekki.
Describing the late priest, Godonu said, “He was a jolly good fellow, very active, humorous, and always carried himself with joy.
“He was kind, loving, and related exceptionally well with journalists across the state and beyond.”
He added, “He was a gifted writer, a true priest of God, and his absence will be deeply felt.”
The archdiocese said burial arrangements would be announced later.
