Chief Duro Onabule, journalist, editor, columnist and former chief press secretary to military president, Ibrahim Babangida clocks 80 tomorrow.
He reached his career peak when he became the editor of the Concord newspapers in 1984. Shortly after, he became the chief press secretary to Babangida in 1985.
President Muhammadu Buhari has joined family and friends in celebrating Onabule, who is now the chairman of the board of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA.
Buhari congratulated him for courage and steadfastness in serving the country.
The President affirmed that Chief Onabule’s consistency in his chosen career had benefitted the country a lot.
President Buhari commended the veteran journalist for upholding the highest standard of professionalism in journalism by investigating and projecting the truth, ensuring balance and accuracy, and confidently pushing for inclusive and responsive government that caters for ordinary Nigerians.
Buhari also congratulated Onabule for serving the country with his talent, treasures and time, especially in crucial times that deserved personal sacrifices.
President Buhari prayed for longer life, good health and prosperity for the octogenarian.
Onabule was born on September 27, 1939 in Ijebu-Ode.
He graduated from Nigeria’s oldest school, CMS Grammar School in Lagos in 1960. His first media work was as a reporter for the Daily Express in 1961.
Three years later he joined the staff of Daily Sketch. He spent some time with Daily Sketch before going back to his previous employer, Daily Express.
It was while working for the Express that he went to the UK to study journalism at London School of Journalism. In 1969, he served as the London correspondent of the Express.
In the mid 1970s, he worked for the Daily Times, rising to become a deputy editor of Headlines magazine.
When MKO Abiola started Concord Press, Onabule was appointed features editor.
In 1984, he became the editor of Concord newspaper, a position he occupied before he was appointed CPS to Babangida.
