Reuben Abati Biography: Age, Wife, Marriage, Family, State Of Origin, Education, Career, Net Worth

Onyedika May 20, 2024

Reuben Abati Biography

Reuben Abati is a prominent Nigerian journalist, television anchor, newspaper columnist, and politician who has made significant contributions to Nigerian media and politics. He served as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan from 2011 to 2015 and was the Deputy Governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State during the 2019 gubernatorial election.

Throughout his career, Abati has been a key figure in Nigerian journalism, serving as the chairman of the editorial board of the Nigerian newspaper The Guardian from 2001 to 2011.

His writings, which include book reviews, essays, and commentaries on national, regional, and international affairs, have been widely recognized and published in various prestigious journals and periodicals.

Reuben Abati State Of Origin

Reuben Abati hails from Ogun State, Nigeria.

Reuben Abati Age

Reuben Abati is 58 years old as of 2024.

Reuben Abati Early Life and Education

Reuben Abati was born on November 7, 1965, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended the University of Calabar, where he graduated with a degree in Theatre Art

Abati’s educational journey continued at the University of Ibadan, where he was recognized as a University Scholar and graduated with a PhD in Theatre Arts, specializing in Dramatic Literature, Theory, and Criticism, in 1990.

In addition to his studies in theatre arts, Abati expanded his academic horizons by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law from Lagos State University, which he obtained in 1999.

His commitment to lifelong learning also led him to the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, where he received professional training in journalism, and later to the Said Business School, University of Oxford, for a Certificate in Management and Leadership.

Reuben Abati Career

Reuben Abati started his career as a journalist where he quickly established himself as a voice of reason and insight. Since 1985, Abati has been a fixture in the Nigerian press, contributing as an editor, columnist, and commentator for a variety of publications, covering mainstream news as well as niche romance and lifestyle magazines.

In the realm of print media, Abati’s most notable role was as the chairman of the editorial board of The Guardian, Nigeria’s widely respected newspaper, from 2001 to 2011.

Abati’s influence extended beyond the printed page as he co-presented the television discussion program “Patito’s Gang,” founded by Professor Pat Utomi. This platform allowed him to engage with a broader audience, discussing pressing national issues and fostering public discourse from 2000 to 2011.

His expertise in governance and policy was further recognized through his appointments to various public service roles. He served as a member of the Governing Council of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, between 2003 and 2007, and was a member of the Board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund from 2007 to 2011.

The pinnacle of Abati’s career in public service came when he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria. From 2011 to 2015, he served as the Official Spokesperson, where he played a critical role in media relations, crisis management, and strategic communication for the Presidency.

Post-presidency, Abati has continued to be an active figure in the media landscape, leveraging his experience and insights as a Senior Research Associate at the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Cultural Studies and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). His writings, which have been featured in both local and international periodicals and academic journals, continue to influence and inform public opinion on a variety of topics.

Reuben Abati Awards

Reuben Abati has won several awards for his work in journalism, including the Hadj Alade Odunewu/Diamond Award for Media Excellence Prize for Informed Commentary four times, the Cecil King Memorial Prize for Print Journalist of the Year (1998), the Fletcher Challenge Commonwealth Prize for Opinion Writing (2000), the Freedom Peace Prize for Journalism (2010), and The Red Media Africa Living Legends Industry Award (2015).

Reuben Abati First Wife

Reuben Abati has been married more than once. His irst wife is Iyabo Abati (nee Babalola), a well known banker.

Reuben Abati Current Wife and Children

Reuben Abati’s current wife is Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, whom he married in 2023. She is known as Kiki and is the primary host of “RealTalkWithKike,” a live TV/radio talk show broadcast on Inspiration FM and Silverbird .

The couple celebrated their fourth anniversary on May 15, 2024, and Abati has expressed his deep affection and admiration for her on various occasions. Reuben and his wife, Kikelomo has three children together. Reuben also has a daughter named Elizabeth Eyitope Abati from a previous marriage.

Reuben Abati Net Worth

Reuben Abati’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2024.