President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Peter Onwubuariri, an Assistant Director of Media at the Presidential Villa and veteran journalist who served under three successive Nigerian administrations.
Onwubuariri died in Kano on Monday after a prolonged illness at the age of 48, according to reports. His death was also confirmed in a condolence statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Tinubu described the death as a painful loss to the Presidency, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the media community and the country.
The President commended Onwubuariri for his dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service, noting that his years of service across three administrations demonstrated his competence and commitment to duty.
“His passing is a great loss to the Presidential Villa, the media fraternity and Nigeria,” Tinubu said, adding that the late journalist would be remembered for his diligence, experience and contributions to journalism and national service.
Onwubuariri, a former North American correspondent of NAN, was posted to the Presidential Villa in 2014. He subsequently served in the media teams of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the current Tinubu administration.
During his journalism career, he covered major national and international issues, including foreign affairs, telecommunications, politics and finance. Before his posting to the Villa, he rose through the ranks at NAN and served as an Assistant Editor-in-Chief.
Reports said Onwubuariri received treatment for about a month at the Kano Cancer Hospital before his death. His remains were released by the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on Tuesday for transportation to Owerri, Imo State, where he is expected to be buried.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Onwubuariri’s wife, Catherine, his three children, extended family, colleagues and friends.
He prayed that God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also expressed condolences to the President, the Presidential Media Unit and Onwubuariri’s family, describing the deceased as a professional who contributed to the reputation and media operations of the Presidency.
