Tinubu Mourns Death Of Presidential Media Aide

Peter Onwubuariri, who served as Assistant Director of Media at the Presidential Villa and was a veteran journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria, has passed away in Kano following an extended illness.

His wife, Catherine Ezinna Onwubuariri, confirmed that he died at the age of 48 on Monday after undergoing roughly a month of medical care at the Kano Cancer Hospital via state authorization.

On Tuesday, his body was transferred from the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital to be transported for burial in Owerri, Imo State.

Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, representing the Kano State Governor, officially transferred the remains to Oche Egwa, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations for the State House, acting on behalf of presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga.

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss, issuing a formal statement through Onanuga to honor the late public servant and journalist.

Having previously worked as a North American correspondent for NAN, Onwubuariri was assigned to the Presidential Villa in 2014, eventually contributing his expertise across the administrations of Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu highlighted the veteran reporter’s extensive coverage spanning foreign affairs, national politics, telecommunications, and financial sectors.

The President praised the late aide’s unwavering professionalism, stating, “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.”

Tinubu further noted, “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.”

The President concluded by offering his sympathies to Catherine Onwubuariri, their three children, and the broader network of relatives, friends, and professional colleagues.