A former Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu, has been laid to rest in Lagos.
Speaking at the funeral Mass of the late priest held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, described Msgr. Osu as a committed and dedicated priest who had dedicated over 45 years to the service of the Church and humanity, adding that he would be greatly missed by all and sundry.
He noted that Msgr. Osu was a social crusader who fought for the emancipation of the poor and vulnerable, particularly children, whom he helped groom to succeed in their endeavours and contribute positively to the meaningful development of society as leaders of tomorrow.
“As Director of Communications, Msgr. Gabriel Osu addressed issues of the common good and challenged the government to be alive to its responsibilities and make life better for citizens. He gave us an example of patience in adversity. He was ill for nine years, and in all those years he continued to remain the humorous person that he was, the simple person that he was. He made us realize that no matter what we may be going through, we must place our hope in God, knowing that He has total control of our lives. He also made us realize that to be concerned only about oneself is not Christ-like. You must be willing to go out of your comfort zone to address issues that concern the welfare of others. These are some of the lessons one can learn from the life and times of Msgr. Gabriel Osu.”
The prelate also expressed dismay at the recent kidnapping of over forty children across the country by bandits, noting that the late clergyman, who was known for his advocacy for social justice, would have been at the forefront of the campaign for the release of the children were he alive.
Archbishop Martins then called on the government at all levels and the security agencies to speed up action to ensure the quick release of the abducted children and put an end to the incessant kidnapping of citizens across the country by bandits and criminals.
Earlier in his homily at the Mass, which was attended by over a hundred priests and religious and over a thousand lay faithful from all walks of life, the Episcopal Vicar for Lekki Region, Very Rev. Msgr. Pascal Nwaezeapu, described the late Msgr. Osu as a very generous man who gave his all to help the needy and the less privileged.
“Msgr. Osu was always fun to be with. You could never be around him and be sad. He had a way of lightening up anywhere he found himself. He was a great communicator who used his gifts to speak against the ills in society and to defend the Church at all times. His death should remind everyone here that we are all going to die one day. We are called to reflect on our lives and make amends for our ways so that when death comes, we will not be afraid to go, knowing that we will spend our eternity with God in heaven.”
On his part, the incumbent Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, was full of praise for the late Msgr. Osu, whom he described as a mentor who paved the way for him to study communications after his ordination.
“I served as an associate to Msgr. Osu at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ebute Metta. He was very nice to me and even recommended me to travel for further studies in journalism. He impacted so many lives and worked tirelessly for the Church. We will miss him greatly.”
Younger brother to the deceased, Paul Osu who gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the family thanked the Archbishop and indeed the whole Archdiocese for their love showed his late brother during the years of his ailment, noting that his brother was now resting in the Lord’s bosom after running his earthly journey.
Msgr. Gabriel Osu, a native of Ubulu-Uku in Delta State, was born on September 5, 1954, and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1981. He worked in several parishes in Lagos before his passing on Friday, May 8, 2026, due to illness. His final journey began on Wednesday, May 27, with a requiem Mass held in his honour at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, off Northern Foreshore, Lekki, followed by lying in state at the Marian Shrine, Maryland, for prayers and recitation of the rosary, and vigil Masses held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland.
His mortal remains were finally laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos, after the funeral Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral.
