Farewell to Peter Onwubuariri; A Presidential Writer Remembered

Finally, Peter, my colleague, friend, and brother, made the news. But he wasn’t there to see it. After 23 years of writing, Peter, 48, got a chance to be recognized. Sadly, it was the last chance he had. Peter left us just 24 hours before.

For 12 years, Peter Chukwuemeka Onwubuariri, Assistant Director of Information/Public Relations, dedicated himself to writing press releases, speeches, and analyses at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He preferred to stay out of the spotlight, always working behind the scenes.

On September 7, 2026, Peter Onwubuariri passed away in a Kano hospital after being ill for some time. The news brought national focus during a difficult time for his family, friends, and the Presidential Media and Publicity team.

A statement from the presidency on September 8, 2026, highlighted the late Assistant Director. The Kano State Government also released a statement that further brought attention to Peter’s legacy.

Both statements in one day stirred emotions and changed the atmosphere in newsrooms, especially at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), with offices all over the country and abroad.

The once quiet communication writer and strategist became a national figure on TV, radio, and social media.

Peter’s 83-year-old mother, Florence Ewekechinyere Onwubuariri, in Owerri, Imo State, must have wished things were different. The headlines deepened her sorrow, confirming the news she had hoped was false. The news of Peter’s passing burdened her. She cried endlessly for her only son, the youngest of four children. Mama had heard about Peter’s sickness and eventual death, but she was not ready for the media focus.

A few years back in Owerri, Peter had buried his father after he died suddenly in his sleep. Now, his mother and sisters were left to cope with the loss of two men in their family in a row.

It is sad that lively Peter spent his final days in a hospital in Kano. His illness had taken him and his wife, Catherine, to India twice and Egypt, all within a year. The couple, with the support of friends, family, and institutions, prayed hard for his recovery.

But the worst happened. Still, Peter remained strong in spirit until the end.

Peter Onwubuariri served as a media officer under three Presidents, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He worked with six presidential spokesmen, Dr Reuben Abati, Mr. Femi Adesina, Malam Garba Shehu, Dr Dele Alake, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, and Mr Bayo Onanuga.

He traveled widely. Peter had also worked as the North American Correspondent for NAN before he was assigned to the Villa in 2014.

Though he was not well-known outside the Villa, church, and media circles, he was a hard worker, spending most of his 12 years at the Villa writing press releases, drafting speeches, coordinating presidential meetings, analyzing news, advising on strategies, and managing media events.

Peter Onwubuariri had a bright smile. He was lively, cheerful, and detail-oriented. He loved his family deeply. His passion for writing and media work was clear. Even in hospitals, he volunteered to work remotely. Sometimes, he would monitor live presidential events and send out press releases.

While typing on his computer in India, Egypt, and Nigeria, he told hospital staff, “I get my joy from writing.”

The illness took a toll on Peter, both physically and financially. It resisted treatment and left him frail.

But he had a strong will. At times, he would get up and walk to the hospital reception to watch his favorite team, Arsenal. Just 48 hours before his passing, he excitedly shared match results with his wife, saying, “We won,” while shaking his fist. His spirit was strong, but his body was weak.

The media headlines announcing Peter’s passing were impactful: “Presidential Villa Assistant Media Director Dies,” “President Tinubu Mourns Peter Onwubuariri,” and “Governor Yusuf Condoles with Presidential Media Team Over Death of Peter Onwubuariri,” among others.

Peter would have analyzed the press releases in his usual style and made jokes. But he missed that chance. Death took him away.

President Tinubu called Peter's passing a painful loss for the Presidency, NAN, and the media at large. NAN was Peter’s first stop in public service before he moved to the Villa.

The President said about my dedicated colleague: “Peter was a committed journalist and public servant. His professionalism and calm nature earned him respect from his colleagues and associates. His years of service to three administrations show his competence, integrity, and commitment to duty. His passing is a significant loss to the Presidential Villa, the media community, and Nigeria. We will remember him for his hard work, experience, and contributions to journalism and national service.”

Governor Yusuf of Kano praised Peter as a dedicated public servant who contributed greatly to public communication at the presidency. The governor noted that Peter received medical care at Kano Hospital under the state's authorization before he passed and offered prayers for his family and colleagues.

While Peter was in Kano, the governor’s Director General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, kept in touch and offered support. Bature said he met Peter during a presidential visit to Kano, and their relationship grew from his warmth and kindness.

Peter started at NAN as a Youth Corps member in 2002. He was kept on and promoted ahead of his peers due to his hard work.

Alhaji Alli Hakeem, a retired Editor-in-Chief of NAN, who interviewed Peter before he joined in 2002, said he saw Peter’s confidence and recommended him right away.

“What a loss! I had no idea he was sick. I learned of his passing at 3:39 a.m. while browsing online. May Peter’s soul rest among the Saints. May God grant his family, friends, and colleagues the strength to bear this loss. It is truly unfortunate.

“I remember his first day at NAN for NYSC. He arrived with a few others, and the then Editor-in-Chief, late Shehu Abui, saw them get out of a taxi. Peter’s confidence struck me as he introduced himself in a strong voice, looking me in the eye. ‘I am Peter Onwubuariri,’ he said clearly. Confidence is key for a successful journalist, and he had it,” Alli Hakeem noted.

Peter’s passing shocked his friends, family, and colleagues. Despite his illness, we all hoped for a miracle.

In his last moments, Peter often said he needed to “rest.” In the early hours of Monday, September 7, he took his last breath. He leaves behind his wife, three children, three sisters, and an elderly mother.

Peter has finally found peace. So long, Peter. So long, presidential writer.

Goodbye, my friend and brother!