By JKNewsMedia
CELEBRATION OF ideas and intellect will converge at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 7, 2025, as renowned journalist and public intellectual Dr Reuben Abati presents three new books to mark his 60th birthday.
According to a statement from Caltop Publications Nigeria Limited, the publishing firm hosting the event, the public presentation and official launch will feature Portraits: People, Politics and Society, A Love Letter & Other Stories, and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President.
The statement described the launch as both a literary and intellectual milestone, reflecting Abati’s sustained influence on Nigeria’s media, politics, and scholarship.
Caltop Publications’ Managing Director, Ayo Arowosegbe, said the new titles offer profound insights into Nigeria’s political development and social consciousness.
“These works are compelling, insightful, and relevant for our times. They will serve as vital references for policymakers, media professionals, academics, students, and the public seeking informed perspectives on Nigeria and the world at large,” Arowosegbe stated.
Each of the three books, the publishers explained, underscores Abati’s characteristic blend of political commentary, human-interest storytelling, and historical analysis.
Portraits: People, Politics and Society explore personalities and power relations shaping Nigeria’s evolution, while How Goodluck Jonathan Became President traces the political journey of Nigeria’s former leader through the lens of governance, fate, and democratic transition.
A Love Letter & Other Stories presents a creative shift, exploring human emotions and moral questions through fiction.
The publishers noted that the collection reflects Dr Abati’s intellectual breadth and deep commitment to civic engagement.
It also emphasised that the launch goes beyond literary celebration, describing it as a reflection on the author’s extensive contribution to journalism and the wider discourse on Nigeria’s governance and identity.
The statement added that the public presentation would attract dignitaries from government, academia, media, and the literary community.
It will also serve as an occasion to honour Dr Abati’s decades-long service to national development through writing, broadcasting, and thought leadership.
Event organisers confirmed that the ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the NIIA, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Members of the public, scholars, and professionals were invited to participate in what the publishers described as a “significant literary and intellectual event.”
Dr Reuben Abati’s career spans over three decades of distinguished service in journalism, public communication, and academia. He is currently co-anchor of The Morning Show on Arise TV and presents Thisday Live every Sunday on the same network.
He also hosts City Talks with Reuben Abati on City 101.5 FM every Saturday.
Before his current broadcast roles, Abati served as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, where he coordinated government communications and public relations.
He was previously Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian newspapers, where his weekly columns became widely read for their incisive commentary on politics, economy, and governance.
Earlier in his career, Abati taught drama and literature at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, where he also served on the university’s Governing Council between 2003 and 2007.
He was a member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Board between 2007 and 2011 and featured as co-presenter on the television programme Patito’s Gang, created by Professor Pat Utomi.
Caltop Publications stated that the forthcoming launch will celebrate not only Abati’s literary achievements but also his enduring role as a voice of reason in Nigeria’s public sphere.
The event, the publisher added, symbolises “a convergence of intellect, experience, and national reflection” as the author reaches a personal and professional milestone.
