President Bola Tinubu has congratulated veteran journalist, author, and former presidential adviser Dr Reuben Abati on his 60th birthday, describing him as an accomplished public intellectual and patriotic commentator who has made immense contributions to Nigeria’s media and public discourse.
In a statement personally signed by the President on Friday, Tinubu lauded Abati, whom he affectionately called “Rubi Rubi,” for his versatility and excellence across multiple professional fields.
“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.
He praised Abati’s “insightful articles, regular interventions, and television analyses” for continuing to enlighten and inspire Nigerians, noting that his works have significantly enriched national conversations on governance, democracy, and social progress.
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The President also commended Abati’s service to the nation as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing his tenure as one marked by “professionalism and dedication.”
Tinubu went on to celebrate the unveiling of Abati’s latest literary works — Portraits: People, Politics and Society, A Love Letter and Other Stories, and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President — released in honour of 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,” the President said. “I pray Almighty God grants him long life, good health, and the inspiration to continue serving the nation and humanity.”
Born on 7 November 1965, Reuben Abati holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar and has served as a senior research associate at the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Cultural Studies and the National Open University of Nigeria.
He is best known today as a co-anchor on Arise News, where his incisive commentary and political analysis have earned him wide recognition. Abati also served as the Peoples Democratic Party’s Deputy Governorship candidate in Ogun State during the 2019 elections.
