President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Assistant Director of Media at the Presidential Villa, Peter Onwubuariri. He described his passing as a major loss to the Presidency and Nigeria’s media community.
According to The PUNCH, Onwubuariri was a veteran journalist and staff member of the News Agency of Nigeria. He died in Kano on Monday at the age of 48 after a prolonged illness.
His wife, Catherine Ezinna Onwubuariri, confirmed his death. He reportedly spent about a month receiving treatment at the Kano Cancer Hospital.
His remains were released from the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on Tuesday ahead of burial in Owerri, Imo State.
Tinubu praises journalist’s years of service
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu paid tribute to Onwubuariri’s professionalism. He praised his dedication to public service.
“Peter was a dedicated journalist and a committed public servant whose professionalism and calm disposition earned him the respect of his colleagues and associates,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that Onwubuariri’s years of service across three administrations reflected his competence and commitment to duty.
“His passing is a great loss to the Presidential Villa, the media fraternity and Nigeria,” he added.
Served three administrations
Onwubuariri, who previously served as NAN’s North American correspondent, was posted to the Presidential Villa in 2014.
He subsequently worked with the media teams of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari before continuing under Tinubu.
During his career, he covered several major national and international issues, including politics, foreign affairs, telecommunications and finance.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Onwubuariri’s wife, three children, extended family, colleagues and friends. At the same time, he prayed for strength for the bereaved family.
