Reuben Abati
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Journalist, Writer, Official Presidential Spokesperson, Nigeria, 2011-2015, TV Anchor, Arise News; Fellow - Nigeria Guild of Editors, Nigeria Academy of Letters
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Articles by Reuben Abati
The death of a public intellectual: Patrick Dele Cole, 1940-2026, By Reuben Abati
Posted On: 2026-10-21 Posted By: Reuben Abati Health & Lifestyle Education Cities Real Estate & Construction Premium Times Online News Nigeria, Oct. 21 -- Death is a fact of life, no living thing exists forever, not even nature itself, for it is written that even the best and the brightest, shall pass to the Great Beyond, to become one with Nature and the Grand Architect, to be remembered on this side of the Divide, thereafter by their deeds.
The death of a public intellectual: Patrick Dele Cole (1940–2026)
Stay connected via Google News Death is a fact of life; no living thing exists forever, not even nature itself, for it is written that even the best and the brightest shall pass to the Great Beyond, to become one with Nature and the Grand Architect, to be remembered on this side of the Divide, thereafter by their deeds.
Military Neutralises 103 ISWAP Terrorists in Eight-day Airstrikes in North-East
By Honesty Victor The military has sustained precision air strikes against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-East neutralising 103 fighters and destroying several logistics hubs and storage facilities between Oct. 10 and 18. Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Maiduguri.
Okpebholo Congratulates Oba of Benin on 10th Coronation Anniversary
By Honesty Victor Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has congratulated the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on the 10th anniversary of his coronation. Okpebholo, in a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Ebojele Akhere Patrick, said the anniversary is an occasion to celebrate and give thanks for the monarch’s decade-long reign.
Ronaldo Gets 30-Day Ban, €255 Fine as Portugal Concludes Disciplinary Case
From Dispatch Room Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following his controversial departure from the national team’s training camp during the UEFA Nations League.
My Position On Archbishop Ibezim’s Suspension By Sir Nonso Ezeagu
When death knocks at a dog’s door, it becomes so blinded by desperation that it can no longer perceive the smell of danger. I had deliberately stayed away from commenting on the ongoing crisis involving Ibezim, but as a Knight of the Anglican Church and a member of the laity, I believe it is important to make my position known on this matter. From the accounts surrounding this controversy, I understand that Ibezim was given a year to reconsider his position and address the allegations against him.
Tinubu’s return: An update, By Reuben Abati
When the President arrived at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport last Tuesday, a large crowd of political bootlickers and fortune seekers were on hand to welcome him, and in a moment of excitement the President remarked that whatever had been said in his absence was nothing more than mere rumour which should be expected during a political season, but he was back, “ready to kick, ready to work”, and “nothing was wrong”.
Tinubu’s return: An update, By Reuben Abati
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu being welcome by Speaker House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Jubril Barau; Kwara State Governor, AbdlRahman AbdulRazaq and Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwoolu after his working leave to France at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.
Tinubu’s return: An update, By Reuben Abati
Tinubu’s return: An update, By Reuben Abati Premium Times (Opinion) - Today at 2:08 pm Read also
EFCC Hands Over Recovered N107m to Property Fraud Victim in Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi, has handed over bank drafts worth N107,000,000 (One Hundred and Seven Million Naira) to a victim of property fraud through his counsel, Babatunde Oni, SAN.
Dangote Refinery Suspends Petrol Sales to Fuel Importers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has finally stopped the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to major marketers importing petroleum products into Nigeria. An official of the refinery confirmed this to our correspondent, saying the refinery would no longer sell petrol to those blending Dangote fuel with imported grades.
TUESDAY FLAT OUT The return of Regent Tinubu: What next? By Suyi Ayodele
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the Regent of France for almost five days! That was an uncommon feat. At the end of his regency reign in France, Tinubu came home with what history will preserve for generations yet unborn as ‘American Bubble’.
06: Fasuyi Mobilises Ijesa Stakeholders for Collective Security
Security does not begin when criminals strike. It begins when responsible leaders recognise danger early enough to mobilise the people, institutions, and authorities capable of preventing it. This principle was demonstrated by Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, the first Asiwaju of Ijesaland, in September 2021 when he mobilised traditional rulers, community leaders, government and security agencies to confront growing security concerns in parts of Ijesaland.
Tinubu’s return: An update
Stay connected via Google News Exactly a week ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now jokingly renamed a citizen of Kano with a northern-sounding name Ashiru Bala Ahmadu Tanimu, whatever that means, by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, returned to Nigeria after a controversial 30-day so-called working leave in Europe.
Tinubu's return: An update, By Reuben Abati
Posted On: 2026-10-06 Posted By: Reuben Abati Health & Lifestyle Education Technology Politics Cities Premium Times Online News Nigeria, Oct. 6 -- Exactly a week ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now jokingly renamed a citizen of Kano with a Northern-sounding name Ashiru Bala Ahmadu Tanimu, whatever that means by former Governor Abdullahi Danguje, returned to Nigeria after a controversial 30-day so-called working leave in Europe.
Tinubu, Shettima and The United Nations Assembly
Tinubu, Shettima and The United Nations Assembly 11 MIN READ Opinion by Reuben Abati THE high- level meetings and debates of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) open today at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States, with about 300 heads of states and governments, Vice Presidents, Ministers, and at least a Crown Prince in attendance. This is the 81st UNGA, the UN having been established in June 1945.
Reuben Abati: Nigeria At 66: Hopes And Impediments [MUST READ] Original
“Hopes and Impediments” is the title of a 1988 collection of essays by the legendary writer, Chinua Achebe, and it is perhaps the most appropriate phrase to describe Nigeria’s present condition as the country celebrates its 66thindependence anniversary on October 1. At 66, Nigeria is “biologically”, a mature nation – no person that attains such an age is considered a toddler – he or she has seen many seasons and would have received some education, if not wisdom along the line.
Tinubu Is Back From Vacation Trip
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an extended stay in Europe. The President arrived in Lagos from Paris aboard Nigerian Air Force One, with the aircraft taxiing into the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 6:22pm on Tuesday. According to Channels Television Journalists at the airport were barred from taking visuals of the President’s arrival, with media coverage restricted as the presidential aircraft made its way to the terminal.
Abia Tops 2026 NECO Results as Sokoto Records Lowest Pass Rate
Students seated at desks during an examination in a Nigerian classroom Abia State recorded Nigeria’s highest pass rate in the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination, while Sokoto State ranked last, according to a state-by-state analysis of the results. In Abia, 81.78 per cent of candidates who sat the examination earned at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Resigns After Just Over a Year
From Dispatch Room FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey has announced his resignation after just over a year at the bureau, marking another change within the agency’s senior leadership under Director Kash Patel. Bailey, a former Missouri attorney general, said he was leaving the FBI to return to his family. His departure is expected to take effect on Friday.
Indonesia Wildfires Put Prabowo’s Disaster Spending Under Scrutiny
Indonesia Police extinguish forest and land fires in Banjar, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2026. Photographer: Dimas Ardian/Bloomberg From Dispatch Room Indonesia’s worsening wildfire season is putting President Prabowo Subianto’s disaster preparedness and spending priorities under growing scrutiny as firefighters battle widespread blazes across parts of Borneo and Sumatra.
Nigeria At 66: Hopes And Impediments By Reuben Abati
“Hopes and Impediments” is the title of a 1988 collection of essays by the legendary writer, Chinua Achebe, and it is perhaps the most appropriate phrase to describe Nigeria’s present condition as the country celebrates its 66thindependence anniversary on October 1. At 66, Nigeria is “biologically”, a mature nation – no person that attains such an age is considered a toddler – he or she has seen many seasons and would have received some education, if not wisdom along the line.
What Kind of Democracy Does Nigeria Run?
Illustration of a voter casting a ballot in Nigeria. By Abidemi Adebamiwa Unwritten norms can be just as important as formal rules because they influence how political actors exercise their constitutional powers. The problem is that these norms depend heavily on voluntary compliance. When political actors repeatedly disregard them, relying on tradition and restraint may no longer be enough. At what point does protecting democracy require turning an unwritten norm into a formal rule?
Tinubu Ends Working Vacation, Departs Paris for Lagos
President Bola Tinubu has ended his Working vacation in France and departed Paris for Lagos, where he is expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates ahead of the 2027 elections. Tinubu’s aircraft is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, later on Tuesday, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Nigeria at 66: Hopes and impediments
Stay connected via Google News “Hopes and Impediments” is the title of a 1988 collection of essays by the legendary writer, Chinua Achebe, and it is perhaps the most appropriate phrase to describe Nigeria’s present condition as the country celebrates its 66th independence anniversary on October 1. At 66, Nigeria is “biologically” a mature nation.
Nigeria at 66: Hopes and Impediments
1 When President Tinubu returns, he has one major, immediate task ahead: to ensure that his government provides a level playing field for democracy to thrive and that the coming elections are truly credible and fair. The longer-term assignment of making Nigeria a better place for all will require a whole of society approach. As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, there should be no loud, wasteful, celebrations.
Nigeria At 66: Hopes And Impediments
By REUBEN ABATI “Hopes and Impediments” is the title of a 1988 collection of essays by the legendary writer, Chinua Achebe, and it is perhaps the most appropriate phrase to describe Nigeria’s present condition as the country celebrates its 66thindependence anniversary on October 1. At 66, Nigeria is “biologically”, a mature nation – no person that attains such an age is considered a toddler – he or she has seen many seasons and would have received some education, if not wisdom along the line.
Shettima leads Nigeria’s delegation to Ethiopia for nutrition exchange programme
Vice President Kashim Shettima left Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead a historic government-to-government peer exchange focused on accelerating nutrition delivery. Shettima was invited by the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, who is leading the charge for the nation’s nutrition through a multi-sectoral approach. This was disclosed by the VP’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday. Credit: Stanley Nkwocha/X.
Stanford Removes AI-Altered Banners After Student Was Replaced in Promotional Photo
Stanford University campus, where promotional banners containing an AI-altered image of students were removed after the university confirmed a policy violation. From Dispatch Room Stanford University has removed promotional banners from its California campus after confirming that artificial intelligence was used to substantially alter a photograph of students, including replacing one student with a fictitious person.
Ex-LASU lecturer becomes Fountain University’s first Mass Communication professor
Raheemat Adeniran, a former lecturer at Lagos State University, has become Fountain University’s first Professor of Mass Communication. Adeniran currently serves as Dean of the College of Management and Social Sciences at Fountain University. Her elevation marks a notable development for the university’s Mass Communication discipline, as she becomes the first academic to hold the professorial title in the field at the institution.
US Firm Says It Is Cleared to File $36 Million Suit Against Tinubu, Fani-Kayode
President Bola Tinubu and Femi Fani-Kayode are named in a planned $36 million federal lawsuit announced by US-based Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. Credit: File photos From Global Desk A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., says it has been cleared and authorised to proceed with a $36 million federal lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, over alleged threats against the firm’s principal, Dr Karl...
Ikono Chairman: “Governor Umo Eno Has Made Local Government The Engine Room Of ARISE”
By Victor Oton The Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Engr. Oto-Obong Okon Essien, has praised Governor Pastor Umo Eno for bringing governance closer to the people, describing the local government system as a key driver of the administration’s ARISE Agenda at the grassroots. Essien made the observation during an interview on the ARISE Akwaibom Radio Show, as Akwa Ibom State celebrates 39 years of creation and Ikono Local Government marks its 50th anniversary.
“UNNADOT” Stop Quoting Governor Umo Eno Out Of Context
Emmanuel Nicholas A plethora of social media commentators have erroneously faulted Governor Umo Eno’s usage of the word “Unnadot”, simply because many in this contemporary generation lack etymological depth in the pristine Ibibio lexicon. It is an ancient, profound Ibibio word, and consequently, its semantic intent has been grossly misinterpreted out of sheer linguistic ignorance.
Lawmakers Demand National Assembly Reconvening to Probe Tinubu's Absence
The Save Democracy Group in the Nigerian House of Representatives has called for the immediate resumption of the National Assembly to investigate whether President Bola Tinubu submitted the constitutionally required written declaration regarding his prolonged absence abroad under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
UN Launches Mechanism to Help Six Nations Benefit from Critical Mineral Wealth
The United Nations has introduced a new support mechanism to assist Nigeria, Guinea, Indonesia, Madagascar, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in building sustainable value chains for critical energy transition minerals, aiming to ensure economic justice and job creation. September 24, 2026 7:07 amThe United Nations has launched a new support mechanism to help Nigeria and five other resource-rich developing countries build sustainable and responsible value chains for critical energy transition minerals.
Nigeria: Between the old and the new FEMI ADEOTI COLUMN,
We once got it absolutely right. And the perfection was superb. Yes, in the same clime we are in today. It permeated in every department of our lives then. Including, but not limited to, medicine. We recollect with nostalgia the good old days. Remember King Faisal of Saudi Arabia? He was once a frequent face in our space. His destination: That same University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State. Where he received treatment in the 1960s. Not only that.
The Scramble for Tinubu’s Survival, by Zainab Suleiman Okino
Something unusual is happening in the nation’s political landscape. Instead of the political class to seek our votes with conviction, evidence of performance and capacity, the long-subdued people of Nigeria are the ones fighting and scrambling to crown those who want to lead us. But not without some form of coercion, cajoling and inducement, though.
The human sacrifice at Minna shrine, By Funke Egbemode
We used to know what human sacrifice looked like. There was usually a wicked king, a frightened village, a greedy priest, and an angry god who apparently had an insatiable appetite for other people’s children. There was a god that would demand a virgin, twins, or the first son of a particular family. Drums would roll. Mothers would wail. The victim would be dragged to the shrine, sometimes in broad daylight or at night. We all have heard such stories, right?
Shettima Will Take Over From Tinubu Before 2031 – Ayodele Prophesies
Primate Elijah Ayodele prophesies Vice-President Kashim Shettima could succeed Bola Tinubu before 2031 if he wins a second term. Read more. Primate Elijah Ayodele, the founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has said President Bola Tinubu may be unable to complete a second term if he wins the 2027 presidential election, suggesting that Vice-President Kashim Shettima could succeed him. Bitwise Closes Dogecoin ETF Ahead of Planned Conversion 📷What If the Asteroid Missed?
‘Ikenga: The Last Festival’ Becomes Highest-grossing Igbo Film in West Africa
‘Ikenga: The Last Festival’ has become the highest-grossing Igbo-language film of all time in West Africa, grossing N103.4 million. FilmOne Entertainment announced the milestone in a post on its official Instagram page on Tuesday, describing the film as a record-breaking Igbo title. FilmOne thanked Nigerian audiences for contributing to the film’s achievement and said Ikenga: The Last Festival was still showing in cinemas nationwide.
NMDPRA threatens Licence Revocation for Fuel Stations Under-dispensing Products
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has threatened to revoke the licences of fuel stations found under-dispensing petroleum products to consumers. NMDPRA gave the directive on Tuesday in an industry circular posted on its X handle, following reported incidents of under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets amid soaring petrol prices.
‘Peter Obi Has Nowhere to Hide Over His Poor Anambra Record’ — Dele Alake
ABUJA — Minister of Solid Minerals Development and spokesman of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Alake, has launched a fresh attack on Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing the former Anambra State governor of misrepresenting his record in office and saying he has “nowhere to hide” from scrutiny.
Peter Obi Has Nowhere to Hide Over His Poor Anambra Record
In the past four years, Mr. Peter Obi and his supporters packaged Obi’s tenure as Anambra governor as one defined by exceptional fiscal prudence, including the claim that he left Anambra without a debt burden. Obi himself was presented as a squeaky-clean politician. But it has all emerged as a well-packaged lie.
UN leaders set to address AI risks and Iran war as global tensions rise
World leaders at the United Nations General Assembly are expected to focus on the risks of artificial intelligence and the ongoing US war against Iran, as both issues threaten global stability and economic security. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaks during the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on September 22, 2026. Bitwise Closes Dogecoin ETF Ahead of Planned Conversion 📷What If the Asteroid Missed?
UK joins push to limit UN Security Council veto
The United Kingdom has joined calls for limits on the use of the veto by permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The proposal seeks to restrict the veto in situations involving genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. The move is part of an initiative aimed at preventing the veto from blocking action in cases of grave international crimes.
Tinubu, Shettima and The United Nations Assembly, By Reuben Abati
The high- level meetings and debates of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) open today at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States, with about 300 heads of states and governments, Vice Presidents, Ministers, and at least a Crown Prince in attendance. This is the 81st UNGA, the UN having been established in June 1945.
“When Will You Quit 2027 Race?” – Anambra Govt Calls Out Obi Again
Anambra State Government challenges Peter Obi to quit the 2027 presidential race over claims he left behind financial liabilities. Read the details The Anambra State Government has again challenged former Governor Peter Obi over his decision to seek the presidency in 2027, accusing him of leaving financial liabilities behind despite his earlier pledge to quit the presidential race if such claims were established. Bitwise Closes Dogecoin ETF Ahead of Planned Conversion 📷What If the Asteroid Missed?
Police seek information on Delta APC-NDC clash, clarify rifle recovery
The Delta State Police Command is seeking information on the clash between APC and NDC supporters in Effurun and has clarified how an AK-47 rifle was found The Delta State Police Command has appealed for information that could assist its investigation into the clash between suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
NAHCON Mulls Fare Hike As Saudi Arabia Introduces New Hajj Reforms
According to the Commission, Saudi Arabia wants the Hajj operation to be run by private companies, no longer by government boards. Graphic content / Muslims gather to take part in a special morning prayer at the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo on May 27, 2026, to start Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, marking the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorating the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Kaduna Free CNG Mass Transit Scheme Enters 15th Month, Cuts Transport Costs
Kaduna State says its free CNG mass transit scheme has run for 15 months, offering 100 buses on eight routes and saving commuters over N3.5bn, officials say. The Kaduna State Government says its free Compressed Natural Gas-powered mass transit scheme has continued to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs on residents, with the programme now in its 15th month.
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