Aiyedatiwa hails Adeniyi, Abati at 60 for exemplary service to journalism and nation
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has extended warm felicitations to two of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists and public intellectuals Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi and Dr. Reuben Abati as they both clock 60 years.
In a goodwill message personally signed by the Governor, Aiyedatiwa described Adeniyi and Abati as towering figures in the nation’s media landscape whose intellect, integrity, and professionalism have continued to enrich public discourse and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“I extend my profound felicitations to two of Nigeria’s most distinguished journalists and public intellectuals, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi and Dr. Reuben Abati, as they mark the attainment of their Diamond Jubilee, Mr. Adeniyi on November 6 and Dr. Abati on November 7, 2025,” the statement read.
The Governor lauded Adeniyi’s illustrious career marked by his service as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and his leadership as Chairman of the Editorial Board of ThisDay newspaper, describing him as “a consummate professional whose clarity of thought and devotion to truth have enriched Nigeria’s media space.”
On Dr. Abati, Aiyedatiwa recalled his years of incisive commentary as a columnist with The Guardian, his tenure as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, and his enduring influence as a broadcaster and analyst.
He said Abati’s “deep intellect and balanced analyses have inspired generations of journalists and policy thinkers.”
“As these respected citizens celebrate this milestone, I join their families, colleagues, and admirers across the nation in thanking the Almighty for their lives of exceptional impact. I pray for their continued strength, sound health, and fulfilment in the years ahead,” Aiyedatiwa added.
The Governor wished both Adeniyi and Abati a happy 60th birthday, commending their “unwavering dedication to the Nigerian project and their lifelong commitment to responsible journalism.”
