-Nigeria Needs Moral Renewal to make Progress- Kukah
By Olawale Lamina
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, governors, clergy, media moguls, and other dignitaries, were in the list of roll call to eulogize veteran journalist, broadcaster, and author, Dr. Reuben Abati, during his 60th birthday celebration and public presentation of his three new books, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.
Celebrant, Reuben Abati @60
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, who delivered a keynote speech at Abati’s 60th birthday celebration and public presentation of his three new books, noted the Nigeria needs moral reloading and renewal to move forward.
Earlier, in a statement issued in Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu payed a glowing tribute to the celebrant.
“I extend my warmest felicitations to Dr. Reuben Abati, renowned journalist and former presidential adviser, on his 60th birthday, November 7, 2025.
“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.
“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.
“I congratulate Dr. Abati, whom I fondly call Rubi Rubi, on the presentation of three books on his birthday, titled: ‘Portraits: People, Politics and Society’, ‘A Love Letter and Other Stories’, and ‘How Goodluck Jonathan Became President’.
“I join the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), family members, and friends in celebrating this notable writer.
“On this occasion of Abati’s 60th birthday, I pray that Almighty God grant him a longer life, good health, and the inspiration to continue serving the nation and humanity.
“Happy Birthday, Rubi!, ” the statement read.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also spoke at the event praised Abati’s progress over the years and called on him to consolidate on his achievements so far.
Obasanjo said: “Over the period I have known you, you have made progress; as a journalist, commentator, and now an author of three books,” adding that , “But you must move from progress to success. May God help you to achieve that; remember, ethical and moral virtues are key to lasting impact.”
Abati’s principal in his days as presidential spokesperson, former President Jonathan saluted his intellect and loyalty, as he made reference to their years of working together during his presidency.
Jonathan said that,“You have achieved so much, Reuben,”
“I first met you in 2010 when you reviewed the collection of Facebook posts of Oronto Douglas, and I knew you had something special upstairs. You served with me and documented our journey. These books will remain a reference point for anyone studying that period.”
The former president also emphasized that Abati’s storytelling gift gives history a personal touch, saying “it is more meaningful when others write about you than when you write about yourself.”
In his keynote speech, Bishop Kukah described Abati as a rare intellectual gift to Nigeria.
He stressed that, “He is one of Nigeria’s most enduring intellectual voices whose writings continue to hold up a mirror to the nation’s conscience.”
Speaking further, he urged the nation to “reload its moral compass” to achieve meaningful renewal.
Continuing, Bishop Kukah stated that “We must pause and ask why so many projects lie abandoned, why identity divides more than unite us, and why governance too often lacks a moral anchor. Reuben’s writings remind us that words matter and that ideas shape nations. Nigeria must reload its moral software if it must move forward.”
However, at the review of Abati’s three new books: ‘Portraits: People, Politics and Society’; ‘How Goodluck Jonathan Became President’; and ‘A Love Letter and Other Stories’, Mr. Louis Odion (FNGE) described the books as “a monumental intellectual legacy that captures Nigeria’s political evolution, moral challenges, and the author’s creative soul.
“Abati’s works combine the rigour of scholarship with the intimacy of storytelling. He stands as one of the few public intellectuals who have documented Nigeria’s socio-political journey with clarity, humour, and courage. Together, these books tell the story of our nation’s struggles and its unfulfilled promises, while celebrating the individuals who have shaped it.”
He opined that Abati’s journalistic interests, spanning politics, literature, and ethics, makes him “a national monument,” and urged younger journalists to study his writings as models of balanced commentary and moral reflection.
In his address, the Publisher of Caltop Publications Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ayo Arowosegbe, praised Abati for his discipline and consistency, noting that publishing three books simultaneously was “a feat that only a rare mind could achieve.”
“Dr. Abati has maintained a tradition of excellence and depth that reflects not just his brilliance, but his humanity,” Ogunsanya said. “At Caltop, we are proud to have been part of this project, which will stand as a cornerstone in Nigerian literary and journalistic history.”
Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Abati thanked dignitaries and guests, describing the event as a day of thanksgiving and sober reflection.
“For me, today is both a day of thanksgiving and celebration,” he said. “I’m grateful for life, friendship, and the opportunity to serve my country through the power of word,” said the celebrant.
Dr. Abati recalled his early days at Hints Magazine and The Guardian, crediting those experiences for shaping his professional discipline. “At The Guardian, you had to prove your worth; even professors took tests,” he recounted.
He also took time out to appreciate people who inspired his work, saying “Portraits: People, Politics and Society is dedicated to Dr. Ibe Achebe; How Goodluck Jonathan Became President to President Jonathan; and A Love Letter & Other Stories to all my teachers, living and dead.”
To his wife, Dr. Kikelomo Abati, who is also an author, he said: “My wife has three books on display here today. When we’re not doing other things, we write books.”
He revealed that the books, published by Caltop Publications Nigeria Limited, span themes of politics, literature, love, and national identity, drawing from Abati’s decades of columns in The Guardian and THISDAY newspapers
Dignitaries across politics, media, and academia, including Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel; Chairman, THISDAY and Arise Media Group, Chief Nduka Obaigbena; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings; Executive Commissioner for Operations at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Mr. Louis Odion and Publisher, The Guardian Newspaper, Dame Maiden Alex-Ibru.
The roll call also included captains of industry and community leaders and heads of government agencies, who include Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, SAN,; Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede; the Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR; the Olota of Ota, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Adeyemi Obalanlege; Former Minister of Health and Founder, Juli Plc, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi.
Others include former Nigerian Ambassador and pioneer Managing Director, The Guardian, Dr. Patrick Dele-Cole; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Buki Ponle; former Director, African Leadership Forum (ALF), Chief Adeola Otonba; former Governor of Edo State and current serving Senator, Adams Oshiomhole; and the Founder, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, amongst others. The occasion also drew representatives from the presidency, corporate executives, university dons, and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). Their presence underscored the far-reaching influence of Dr. Abati, who has, for nearly four decades, been at the intersection of journalism, politics, and scholarship in Nigeria.
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