President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated both the Emir of Borgu Kingdom, Muhammed Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV and the renowned journalist, Dr. Reuben Abati.
While congratulating the Emir of Borgu on the 10th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, he also paid a glowing tribute to Abati who turned 60.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President joined the government and people of Niger State, the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Borgu Emirate Council in celebrating the milestone with the royal father.
President Tinubu, who holds the traditional title of Jagaban Borgu, lauded the 17th Emir for a decade of selfless service, peace-building, and visionary leadership that has strengthened unity and development within the emirate and beyond.
He praised the Emir’s enduring commitment to promoting harmony and tolerance among his people, especially in welcoming citizens from diverse parts of the country and mobilising them towards civic responsibility and national cohesion.
The President further commended the royal father’s wisdom and diligence in preserving the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage while applying his vast experience as a lawyer, entrepreneur, and former secretary of the council to advance the welfare and enlightenment of his people.
While congratulating the Emir on his remarkable journey of leadership, President Tinubu prayed for his continued good health, wisdom, and the prosperity of the Borgu Kingdom.
…hails Abati at 60
While celebrating Abati at 60th, the president described him as a brilliant public intellectual whose writings and analyses have enriched Nigeria’s public discourse.
In a tribute he personally penned on Friday to mark Dr. Abati’s 60th birthday, Tinubu lauded the former Chairman of The Guardian Editorial Board for his decades of service to journalism, literature, and the nation.
“I extend my warmest felicitations to Dr. Reuben Abati, renowned journalist and former presidential adviser, on his 60th birthday. A public intellectual, author, columnist, law graduate and broadcaster, Dr. Abati has distinguished himself wherever he has traversed — in the university, the newsroom, and in public service”, the President said.
Read Also: Nigeria should be receiving commendations, not threats – Lawmaker
President Tinubu noted that Dr. Abati’s “insightful articles, regular interventions, and television analyses have continued to enlighten and inspire,” acknowledging his enduring influence as one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in the media and national affairs.
The President commended Abati for his service as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, praising his professionalism and patriotism.
“Dr. Abati’s patriotism and passion as a public commentator who consistently brings his creativity, versatility, and cross-sectoral experience to bear on issues of national interest — both on traditional and social media — are noteworthy,” the statement read.
Highlighting Dr. Abati’s literary achievements, President Tinubu also congratulated him on the presentation of three new books launched to mark the milestone birthday: Portraits: People, Politics and Society; A Love Letter and Other Stories; and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President.
“I congratulate Dr. Abati, whom I fondly call Rubi Rubi, on the presentation of his books. 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 added.
Concluding the tribute, President Tinubu prayed for continued grace and vitality for the veteran journalist