President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Peter Chukwuemeka Onwubuariri, a veteran journalist and presidential media aide who died in Kano at the age of 48 after a prolonged illness.

Onwubuariri, who served as an Assistant Director of Media at the Presidential Villa, reportedly died on Monday after receiving treatment for about a month at the Kano Cancer Hospital under a treatment authorisation by the Kano State Government. His death was confirmed by his wife, Catherine Ezinna Onwubuariri.

Following his death, his remains were released from the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on Tuesday for transportation to Owerri, Imo State, where he is expected to be buried.

The remains were handed over at the hospital to Oche Egwa, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, on behalf of the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The handover was conducted by Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.

Reacting to the death, Tinubu described Onwubuariri’s passing as a painful loss to the Presidency, the News Agency of Nigeria, the media community and the country.

In a condolence statement issued by Onanuga, the President commended the deceased for his dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service, noting that his calm disposition earned him the respect of colleagues and associates.

Tinubu said Onwubuariri’s years of service across three successive administrations demonstrated his competence, integrity and commitment to his profession and national duty.

The President also noted that the late journalist covered several important national and international issues during his career, including foreign affairs, telecommunications, politics and finance.

Onwubuariri began his professional career with the News Agency of Nigeria, where he rose through the ranks and served as an Assistant Editor-in-Chief. He also worked as NAN’s North American correspondent before his posting to the Presidential Villa in 2014.

At the State House, he served under three successive administrations those of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, and the current administration of President Tinubu.

His career in the Presidential Villa therefore spanned several years of reporting and documenting major national developments, while his experience at NAN contributed to his role in the Presidency’s media operations.

Tinubu extended his condolences to Onwubuariri’s wife, his three children, other members of his family, colleagues and friends.

The President prayed that God would grant the bereaved family the strength to cope with the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.

The death has also drawn condolences from officials in Kano State, with Governor Abba Yusuf expressing sympathy to the President, the Presidential Media Unit and the family of the late journalist.

Onwubuariri’s death has consequently been described as a significant loss to journalism, the Presidential Villa and the wider public service community, particularly given his years of experience and service across the media and government.