President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Mr. Peter Chukwuemeka Chijioke Onwubuariri, an Assistant Director of Media at the Presidential Villa, who died after a prolonged illness.
President Tinubu described the death of the veteran journalist and accomplished public servant as a painful loss to the Presidency, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Nigerian media community and the nation at large.
The late Onwubuariri, a former North American Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria, was posted to the Presidential Villa in 2014. He subsequently served as a member of the media teams of three successive administrations—those of Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A consummate journalist with extensive professional experience, Onwubuariri covered a broad range of critical national and international issues, including foreign affairs, telecommunications, politics and finance. Throughout his career, he brought sound professional judgment, dedication and a deep understanding of the workings of government and the media to every assignment.
Before his posting to the Presidential Villa, he rose steadily through the ranks at the News Agency of Nigeria, where he served as an Assistant Editor-in-Chief and made significant contributions to the agency’s journalism and editorial operations.
President Tinubu commended the late media professional for his dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty, noting that his years of service across three successive administrations reflected his competence, integrity, loyalty to the nation and enduring commitment to public service.
The President said: “Peter was a dedicated journalist and a committed public servant whose professionalism and calm disposition earned him the respect of his colleagues and associates. His years of service to three administrations are a testament to his competence, integrity and commitment to duty.
“His passing is a great loss to the Presidential Villa, the media fraternity and Nigeria. He will be remembered for his diligence, his wealth of experience and his contributions to journalism and national service.”
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s wife, Catherine, his three children, members of his extended family, colleagues and friends.
The President prayed that God Almighty would grant the family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.