PHOTOS: Obasanjo, Jonathan, Otti grace Reuben Abati’s book launch on 60th birthday

Reuben Abati, the ace journalist and ex-special adviser on media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has marked his 60th birthday with the launch of three books.

The book launch, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, brought together bigwigs across Nigeria’s political and traditional landscape.

The three books are ‘How a Goodluck Jonathan Became President’, ‘Portraits: People, Politics, and Society’, and ‘A Love Letter and Other Stories’.

Mathew Kukah, Catholic bishop of the Sokoto diocese, delivered the keynote speech at the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, former President Olisegun Obasanjo praised Abati for upholding the virtues of life and standing for the truth.

Recalling his 30-year relationship with the TV host, Obasanjo expressed his delight “for finding a son in Abati”.

The former president urged the 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-chief of ThisDay Media Group and AriseTV; and Mohammed Bello Adoke, the former attorney-general of the federation, were present at the ceremony.

Other dignitaries include Alex Otti, governor of Abia state; Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos; Simon Kolawole, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Cable Media and Publishing Limited, and actress Shaffy Bello.

Louis Odion, the ace journalist, delivered the review of the three books, while Ayo Arowosegbe gave the publisher’s remarks.

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