Reuben Abati At 60 – Celebrating a Life of Wisdom, Friendship, and Enduring Legacy

Yesterday, November 7, 2025, marked a remarkable milestone, the 60th birthday of Reuben Adeleye Abati, a man whose life has been defined by brilliance, integrity, and service. As I reflect on this moment, I am drawn not only to Reuben’s extraordinary professional journey but also to the many personal memories that have made knowing him such a privilege.

From the bustling streets of Abeokuta, where he was born, to the hallowed halls of the University of Ibadan, Reuben’s life has been a testament to relentless curiosity and academic excellence. I vividly recall those days in Ibadan when he was immersed in his PhD studies in Theatre Arts. The city was alive with our shared conversations, the afternoons spent debating literature, politics, and the complexities of Nigerian society, and the evenings filled with laughter and reflection. Those moments, though seemingly ordinary at the time, now stand as treasured memories of a friendship grounded in intellect, wit, and mutual respect.

Reuben’s professional journey is nothing short of inspiring. A scholar of rare depth, he first distinguished himself at the University of Calabar with a First Class Honors in Theatre Arts, earning multiple academic awards along the way. His doctoral research at UI further cemented his reputation as a thinker of profound insight. But it is his ability to translate knowledge into public service that truly sets him apart. From shaping national discourse as Chairman of The Guardian’s Editorial Board, to his pivotal role as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben has consistently demonstrated courage, clarity, and a commitment to truth.

Even beyond the public eye, he remains a figure of generosity, warmth, and mentorship. I remember the countless hours in Ibadan when we would dissect ideas, challenge each other, and share stories that ranged from the profoundly philosophical to the delightfully humorous. Those afternoons over coffee, sometimes stretching into evenings, were more than mere leisure, they were lessons in humility, intellect, and the joy of meaningful friendship.

His impact in media, governance, and academia is recognized far and wide, from his columns in ThisDay, to co-anchoring The Morning Show on Arise News, to fellowships in the Nigeria Guild of Editors and the Nigeria Academy of Letters. Yet, it is the combination of his public achievements and the personal kindness, humor, and wisdom he shares with friends and colleagues that defines the true measure of Reuben Abati.

As he enters his 60th year, I take a moment to celebrate not only Reuben’s professional milestones but also the remarkable qualities that define him as a younger colleague and cherished friend, a thoughtful listener, a passionate communicator, and a mind that consistently enriches the national discourse. May this milestone year and the decades ahead bring him enduring health, profound joy, and the deep satisfaction of knowing that his life and work continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Happy 60th birthday, my dear brother Reuben. Ibadan, Nigeria, and all of us who have had the privilege of walking even a small part of life’s journey with you are immeasurably richer for it. Here’s to decades past, memories cherished, and a future brimming with promise.

With admiration, respect, and warmest wishes,

Mofoluwaso Lawrence Olamiti