President Tinubu mourns media aide death, Peter Onwubuariri, a media aide at the Presidential Villa who died in Kano at the age of 48.
Onwubuariri, a veteran journalist and former News Agency of Nigeria staff member, died on Monday after a prolonged illness.
His wife, Catherine Ezinna Onwubuariri, confirmed his death.
Tinubu mourns presidential media aide
President Tinubu expressed his condolences in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President described Onwubuariri’s death as a loss to the Presidential Villa, the media community and Nigeria.
Tinubu praised the deceased for his professionalism, dedication and calm disposition during his years of service.
He also commiserated with Onwubuariri’s wife, three children, extended family, colleagues and friends.
The President prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family during the period of mourning.
Onwubuariri served three presidents
Onwubuariri joined the Presidential Villa in 2014 after working with the News Agency of Nigeria.
He later served in the media teams of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
He also worked under President Tinubu’s administration.
Before joining the Villa, Onwubuariri rose through the ranks at NAN and became an Assistant Editor-in-Chief.
He also served as the agency’s North American correspondent.
During his journalism career, he covered several areas, including politics, finance, telecommunications and foreign affairs.
Journalist died after prolonged illness
Onwubuariri reportedly spent about a month receiving treatment at the Kano Cancer Hospital.
The treatment was reportedly authorised by the Kano State Government.
His remains were released by the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on Tuesday.
The remains were later prepared for transportation to Owerri, Imo State, where he is expected to be buried.
Colleagues, Kano government pay tribute
The remains were formally handed over at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital to Oche Echeija Egwa, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House.
Egwa received the remains on behalf of Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman.
Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, also attended the handover.
Governor Yusuf expressed condolences to Tinubu, the Presidential Media Unit and Onwubuariri’s family.
He described the deceased as a professional who contributed to presidential communication and reputation management.
Onwubuariri’s death has also prompted tributes from colleagues and members of Nigeria’s journalism and public information community.
