President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has congratulated veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, on his 60th birthday, describing him as a patriotic intellectual whose works have significantly shaped national conversations.
In a personally signed statement released on Friday, President Tinubu lauded Abati for his “versatility and excellence across multiple fields,” commending his longstanding contributions to journalism, public discourse, and governance.
Okay News reports that President Tinubu referred to Abati fondly as “Rubi Rubi,” acknowledging his brilliance and consistency as an author, columnist, broadcaster, and public affairs analyst.
“A public intellectual, author, columnist, law graduate and broadcaster, Dr. Abati has distinguished himself wherever he has traversed: in the university as a student and later as a Graduate Assistant, as Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian, as a writer, and presently as a television anchor,” Tinubu said.
The President praised Abati’s “insightful articles, regular interventions, and television analyses” for enlightening and inspiring Nigerians over the years. He also commended his service as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, highlighting his professionalism and dedication to the nation’s democratic growth.
Tinubu further celebrated the launch of Abati’s new books — Portraits: People, Politics and Society, A Love Letter and Other Stories, and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President — unveiled to mark his diamond jubilee.
“I join the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), family members, and friends in celebrating this notable writer,” Tinubu stated. “I pray Almighty God grants him long life, good health, and the inspiration to continue serving the nation and humanity.”
Born on November 7, 1965, Abati is a prominent journalist and television anchor on Arise News. He was the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State during the 2019 elections. Abati holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar and serves as a senior research associate at the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Cultural Studies and the National Open University of Nigeria.
