By Bai-Bai Sesay, Managing Editor, Independent Observer, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
After more than three decades in the field of journalism, it is only natural to look back and honour those who helped along the way.
Ambassador Jonathan Arthur Derrick Leigh (pictured), who died on Saturday 9th April 2022, was a major influence on my career and those of many journalists at the Independent Observer Newspaper.
After the death of Sorie Sudan Sesay (May his soul rest in perfect peace), today is my second time to pay another tribute to a brother I have worked with for many years.
‘Orsoh’ as we commonly call ourselves, is a man hard to forget. I believe his soul is with us.
To many, he was a dear friend. To all of us who worked with him especially at the Independent Observer, he was our hero.
In his life, Joe Leigh lived a life of piety, wisdom and knowledge. We loved Joe Leigh but the Almighty had his plans.
The late Ambassador Jonathan Leigh. is a veteran journalist who dedicated his life in representing the underprivileged through journalism and writing.
Through his media experience, he set up the Independent Observer newspaper in 1997 where I and late Sorie Sudan Sesay joined him.
I first met the late man when he was a sports reporter. During my days with him at the Independent Observer, he always ensured that I sat with him during the layout of the newspaper so that I would have first-hand experience in the knowledge needed for me to later succeed.
My days were busy and hectic and I was only able to relax at the end of the day, or when I’m out of the country. Today, I thank God for that.
Journalists can attest to the fact that the late man always attended SLAJ’s Annual General Meetings (AGM). He was always committed to the ideals of the association and his great death will be seriously felt by his colleagues both at home and abroad.
Joe Leigh was one of the few journalists his colleagues admired a lot because of his dedication and hard work to the journalism profession.
News of his death hit me like a hammer on the chest. He was such a massive personality, such a burning force, and the idea of him lying lifeless feels like a massive injustice as well as a big loss. But indeed good things never last, as shown by the sudden death of Brother Jonathan Leigh. That is why the death of Joe Leigh is not only a big loss to his family, to SLAJ, but also to the entire nation and beyond.
Brother Jonathan Leigh, rest in peace and may Allah Almighty guide you in eternity. Insha Allah
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