By Babs Daramola
Few Nigerian journalists have lived as many lives in one career as Dr. Reuben Abati. From academia to national politics, from the editorial boardroom to primetime television, his journey has been one long conversation with power; sometimes advising it, often questioning it, always illuminating it.
At The Naija Broadcastar, we proudly dedicate this edition to Dr. Abati, a rare voice whose intellect, courage, and clarity have defined the meaning of public engagement in Nigeria’s democracy.
Dr. Reuben Abati is a familiar presence on Arise News, where his commentary and analysis shape national conversations every day. Yet his influence goes far beyond broadcast. At The Guardiannewspaper, he set the benchmark for political reporting and editorial insight, earning a reputation for judgment and credibility that later took him into national service as presidential spokesman to former President Goodluck Jonathan. In both roles, his impact on Nigeria’s media and political landscape has been profound.
As he turns 60, the tributes have been pouring in: from presidents and politicians to colleagues and admirers across generations. And fittingly, the milestone comes with the launch of three new books: Portraits: People, Politics and Society, A Love Letter & Other Stories, and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President. These books capture the many dimensions of his remarkable life and mind
In his message, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Dr. Abati as “an accomplished public intellectual and patriotic commentator who has made immense contributions to Nigeria’s media and public discourse.” The President, who fondly calls him “Rubi Rubi”, praised his “insightful articles, regular interventions, and television analyses that continue to enlighten and inspire.”
Peter Obi, former Anambra state governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, also celebrated him as “a distinguished journalist, public intellectual, and statesman whose brilliance, courage, and depth of thought have enriched journalism and strengthened democracy in our nation.”
Ondo state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in his tribute noted that Dr. Abati “has distinguished himself with decades of profound and insightful commentary, particularly during his tenure with The Guardian, his impactful service as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and his sustained relevance as a leading broadcaster and analyst on crucial national affairs.”
But perhaps what makes Abati truly extraordinary is that, at 60, he is not a man looking back. He is still fully in stride. Every morning, millions wake up to his voice and perspective on The Morning Show on Arise News, where he blends gravitas with a measured strength that inspires trust and regard. Then, on This Day Live, he continues the dialogue, tackling the nation’s big stories with the balance and intellect that have become his signature.
Beyond the screen, his online platform, reubenabati.com.ng, remains one of Nigeria’s most vibrant spaces for commentary and thought. It’s where his essays, reflections, and political analyses reach readers far beyond the television audience, a continuation of the public conversation he has been leading for over three decades.
For the younger generation of broadcasters, Abati represents a kind of quiet gold standard: the seasoned journalist who has done it all, yet still shows up every day with the curiosity of a reporter on his first assignment. Within The Morning Show team, he is the “father” figure, the steadying hand, and the teacher who never stops learning.
At 60, he stands not just as one of Nigeria’s most respected media figures, but as a symbol of what endurance, intellect, and integrity can achieve. He has nothing left to prove, and yet, he keeps proving that relevance is not a function of age but of substance and character.
For all he’s achieved, Dr. Reuben Abati remains remarkably grounded. He wears his experience without arrogance, and continues to remind both peers and proteges that the work of journalism is, above all else, a public service and, of course, trust.
And while the accolades pour in, Dr. Abati’s real legacy is already secure: it lives in the generations of journalists he has shaped, the millions he continues to inform, and the culture of intelligent discourse he has helped to sustain.
From The Naija Broadcastar team, we raise our pens, and our admiration, to a man whose voice continues to shape the nation’s conscience, whose words have outlived the news cycles, and whose journey reminds us that journalism, at its best, is both art and service.
Happy 60th, Dr. Reuben Abati.
Your story continues to inspire, and we at The Naija Broadcastar are proud to celebrate you.