President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Peter Onwubuariri, Assistant Director, Media, at the Presidential Villa and former North American Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria
Onwubuariri died after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a career spanning journalism, public service and media operations at the Presidential Villa
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu described the death as a painful loss to the Presidency, NAN, the media community and the country
Onwubuariri was posted from NAN to the Presidential Villa in 2014 and subsequently served under three successive administrations
He was part of the media teams of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari before continuing his service under Tinubu
The President described the deceased as a consummate journalist who covered several major national and international issues, including foreign affairs, telecommunications, politics and finance
Tinubu also commended his sound judgment and deep understanding of the relationship between government and the media
Before his posting to the Presidential Villa, Onwubuariri rose through the ranks at NAN and served as an Assistant Editor-in-Chief
The President said his contributions to journalism and NAN’s editorial operations reflected his dedication, professionalism and commitment to duty
“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 said Onwubuariri’s service across three administrations demonstrated his competence, integrity and enduring commitment to national service
“His years of service to three administrations are a testament to his competence, integrity and commitment to duty,” he added
The President said the late journalist would be remembered for his diligence, wealth of experience and contributions to journalism and public service
“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,” he added.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Onwubuariri’s wife, Catherine, his three children, extended family, colleagues and friends
He prayed that God Almighty would grant the bereaved family the strength to bear the loss and grant the soul of the departed eternal rest