President Bola Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati as he marks his 60th birthday.
In a personally signed statement on Friday, Tinubu praised Abati—whom he affectionately calls “Rubi Rubi”—as a distinguished public thinker and patriotic voice whose work has significantly shaped national discourse.
Tinubu described Abati as a versatile professional who has excelled in academia, journalism, writing, law, and broadcasting.
He said, “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.”
The President noted that Abati’s extensive body of work continues to educate and inspire citizens.
“His insightful articles, regular interventions, and television analyses have continued to enlighten and inspire.
I commend Dr Abati for his service to Nigeria as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as his outstanding contributions to the media,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu also highlighted Abati’s creativity and depth of experience, saying they have enriched conversations on national issues.
He celebrated the unveiling of Abati’s three new books — Portraits: People, Politics and Society, A Love Letter and Other Stories, and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President — which were published to commemorate his 60th birthday.
“I join the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), family members, and friends in celebrating this notable writer.
I pray Almighty God grants him long life, good health, and the inspiration to continue serving the nation and humanity,” Tinubu stated.Abati, born on November 7, 1965, is a prominent columnist and co-anchor on Arise News. He previously served as the Peoples Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State in 2019 and holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar.
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