By Eric Elezuo
Influence, prominence, achievement and successful networking were evident on Friday as the best of Nigerian society gathered at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) to celebrate one of Nigeria’s prolific pen pushers and broadcast journalists, Dr. Rueben Abati.
It was a gathering that not only portrayed Abati’s entry into the diamond age cadre, but a positive display of his influence, charisma, character and attendant success in the career he has come to love so much and practice with gusto.
With two former presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; Lagos State Governor, represented by his deputy, Femi Hamzat, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and numerous other royal fathers, captains of industries, media giants including Chief Dele Momodu of Ovation Media Group, and Prince Nduka Obaigbena of ThisDay and Arise News, Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese, former presidential aide, Femi Adesina and Lady Maiden Ibru among others, all in attendance, it was obvious that Abati was due for more than garlands. It was a conglomeration of big wigs, experts and proficient policy makers, who has felt the Abati impact, and has come to honour him on his 60th birthday.
The prolific journalist, who used the opportunity, the first day of his 2-day birthday celebrations, to present three books to the public including A Love Letter, Portraits: People Politics and Power and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President, was all smiles and excitement as he received the needed encouragement from his wife, Kikelomo (Atanda-Owo) Abati, friends, well wishers, and above all, colleagues in the industry, all through the event
Amid speeches and goodwill messages, the books were launched by the duo of Chief Obasanjo and Dr. Jonathan.
Beyond the event at the NIIA and launch of the three books, Nigerians from all walks of life have risen in support and in celebration of the man, who has been adjudged as a symbol of professionalism, a wordsmith and an epitome of due process.
Among early callers to present garlands for Abati, who was former presidential adviser, on the day, was the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, Tinubu described Abati as an accomplished public intellectual and patriotic commentator, noting that he calls him “Rubi Rubi,” for his versatility and excellence across multiple 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.
“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 said.
He praised Abati’s “insightful articles, regular interventions, and television analyses” for continuing to enlighten and inspire Nigerians.
The President added that Abati’s creativity and cross-sectoral experience have enriched national conversations on public-interest issues.
Tinubu also celebrated the launch 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 unveiled to mark 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,” the statement read.
THE MAN, REUBEN ABATI
In 2011, he left The Guardian when he was appointed Special Adviser, Media and Publicity and as Official Spokesperson to President Goodluck Jonathan. In that capacity, he was responsible for managing the President’s media office, media relations and leading the Presidency’s public communications team.
After his stint in government when Jonathan lost election, Abati returned to journalism, writing his regular two columns in The Guardian newspaper (Fridays and Sundays). He subsequently moved to ThisDay newspaper where he now writes a Tuesday column titled: TuesdayWithReubenAbati.
Pessently, Abati is a presenter of Arise News’ The Morning Show, alongside Rufai Oseni, Ayo Mairo and Ojy Okpe, and is actively engaged as a consultant on media and public policy issues. Equally important is his role as a Senior Research Associate with the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Cultural Studies and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
