Veteran Nigerian journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, marked his 60th birthday with the launch of three books.
The book launch, which held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, attracted big names in Nigeria’s political history.
The books are ‘How Goodluck Jonathan Became President’, ‘Portraits: People, Politics, and Society’, and ‘A Love Letter and Other Stories’.
Speaking at the ceremony, in which Mathew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, delivered the Keynote Address, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, praised Abati for upholding the virtues of life and standing for the truth.
Recalling his 30-year relationship with the TV wroter and Arise News anchor, Obasanjo expressed his delight “for finding a son in Abati”.
The ex-president urged Abati to pursue success as the completion of his progress.
“I am happy that in my lifetime, I have found a son in Reuben Abati, who has matured, who has progressed, and is on the path of success,” Obasanjo said.
“And that is the lesson you are teaching all of us; and you should carry on till the end of your life.”
In his remarks, Jonathan lauded Abati’s intellectual capacity, describing him as a “scholar”.
The former president recalled his first encounter with Abati in 2010 when he “fine-tuned” a compilation of Facebook posts published about him.
Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine; Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, Alake of Egbaland; Maiden Alex-Ibru, the publisher of Guardian Newspapers; Nduka Obaigbena, Founding Chairman and Editor-in-hief of ThisDay Media Group and AriseTV; and Mohammed Bello Adoke, the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), were present at the ceremony.
Other dignitaries include Abia State governor, Alex Otti; former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole, among others.
Photos are courtesy of TheCable
