Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Bishop Matthew Kukah attended the 60th birthday celebration and book launch of journalist Reuben Abati in Lagos.
The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), featured the unveiling of three books authored by Abati: How a Goodluck Jonathan Became President, Portraits: People, Politics, and Society, and A Love Letter and Other Stories.
Delivering the keynote address, Bishop Kukah spoke on the importance of intellectual engagement in nation-building.
In his remarks, Obasanjo commended Abati for his growth and commitment over the years.
“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,” he said.
“That is the lesson you are teaching all of us; and you should carry on till the end of your life.”
Jonathan also spoke about his professional relationship with Abati, recalling their first encounter in 2010 when the journalist worked on a compilation of Facebook posts published about him.
He described Reuben Abati as a “scholar” with a keen understanding of governance and communication.
Other attendees included Ovation publisher Dele Momodu, the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III, Guardian publisher Maiden Alex-Ibru, ThisDay Media Group and Arise TV chairman Nduka Obaigbena, former attorney-general Mohammed Adoke and Abia State governor Alex Otti.
Also present were Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, journalist Simon Kolawole and actress Shaffy Bello.
Louis Odion presented the review of the three books, while Ayo Arowosegbe delivered the publisher’s remarks.
