Reuben Abati
Reuben Abati | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 7, 1965 Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, politician, television host, newspaper columnist |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Known for | Special Adviser on Media to President Goodluck Jonathan (2011–2015), columnist and editorial board chairman at The Guardian (2001–2011) |
Reuben Adeleye Abati (born 7 November 1965) is a prominent Nigerian journalist, politician, television host, and newspaper columnist. In the 2019 Ogun State gubernatorial election, he was the deputy governorship candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). From 2011 to 2015, Abati held the position of Special Adviser on Media to President Goodluck Jonathan. Before this appointment, he was a columnist and chaired the editorial board at The Guardian newspaper between 2001 and 2011.
Education
Abati earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Calabar in 1985 and subsequently became a University Scholar at the University of Ibadan. He obtained a PhD in Theatre Arts, specializing in Dramatic Literature, Theory, and Criticism from the University of Ibadan in 1990. Additionally, he holds a law degree from Lagos State University awarded in 1999; a professional journalism certificate from the College of Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park completed between 1996 and 1997; and a Management and Leadership Certificate from the Said Business School, University of Oxford earned in 2015. He is also anticipated to complete a master's degree in international law and diplomacy at the University of Lagos by 2025.
Journalism
Abati’s professional journey began as a lecturer in drama and literature at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State. From 2000 until 2011, he co-hosted the television talk show Patito's Gang, which was initiated by Professor Pat Utomi. His service extended to governance roles including membership on Olabisi Onabanjo University's Governing Council between 2003 and 2007, as well as participation on the Board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund from 2007 to 2011.
During his tenure at The Guardian Newspapers from 2000 to 2011, Abati was chairman of the editorial board. He also fulfilled responsibilities as Editorial Page Editor and contributed two weekly columns.
Role within the Presidency
In 2011, Abati was designated as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity as well as Official Spokesperson for President Goodluck Jonathan. In this capacity, he oversaw the President’s media office operations, managed media relations, and led public communication efforts on behalf of the Presidency.
Media activities after government service
Following his tenure in public office, Abati returned to journalism by writing two weekly columns for The Guardian before transitioning to ThisDay newspaper where he authors TuesdayWithReubenAbati, published every Tuesday. He also co-hosts The Morning Show on Arise News alongside Ojy Okpe and provides consultancy services related to media strategy and public policy.