Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, wife of renowned Nigerian journalist Reuben Abati, has marked her husband’s birthday with an emotionally charged tribute that offers a rare glimpse into their private life. The heartfelt message, shared on November 7, has resonated deeply with followers and admirers of the prominent Arise TV anchor.
Atanda-Owo, taking to Instagram with a collection of intimate photographs, painted a portrait of their relationship that goes far beyond the public persona of the respected journalist and former presidential spokesman. Her message, both poetic and profound, revealed the depths of their connection and the strength of their partnership.
In her elaborate birthday tribute, she described Abati as “the Nigerian encyclopedia of Journalism” and “the love I never saw coming,” offering insight into their unexpected romance. The message particularly stood out for its raw honesty about the nature of their relationship, with Atanda-Owo acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced together.
Perhaps most striking was her creative use of Abati’s first name as an acronym, breaking down “REUBEN” into qualities she sees in him: Resilient, Extraordinary, Understanding, Brilliant, Enduring, and Noble. This personal touch offered followers a unique perspective on the man behind the news desk, showing a side of him that viewers of his daily news broadcasts rarely get to see.
The tribute took an especially moving turn when Atanda-Owo addressed the public nature of their relationship, making a heartfelt plea for their happiness to be respected. “So to the world, when you see us happy, I plead with you let us be happy. We deserve the peace we bring to each other,” she wrote, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a private relationship in the public eye.
Her description of their marriage as “an assignment, not an accomplishment” particularly resonated with followers, offering a mature and realistic view of long-term commitment. This perspective challenges the often-glamorized portrayals of celebrity relationships, presenting instead a more nuanced and authentic view of marriage.
Atanda-Owo’s reference to Abati as her “Ruby” throughout the message added an endearing personal touch to the tribute, revealing the intimate nickname she uses for her husband. The pet name, appearing multiple times throughout her message, emphasized the close bond they share beyond their public personas.
In what might be considered the most powerful part of her tribute, she acknowledged life’s challenges while celebrating how they’ve strengthened their relationship: “Life has not been easy, and we’ve both made our share of mistakes, but we ended up together for a reason.” This candid admission resonated with many followers, who appreciated the authenticity of her message.
The timing of this birthday tribute is particularly significant as it comes during a period when Abati continues to be a prominent voice in Nigerian journalism through his role at Arise TV and his widely-read columns. His wife’s message offers a counterpoint to his professional persona, showing the personal side of a man many know only through his public work.
Throughout the lengthy tribute, Atanda-Owo wove together themes of partnership, growth, and unwavering support, describing their relationship as one where she trusts her “life entirely in your hands.” This sentiment, coupled with her description of him as “the calm in my storm,” paints a picture of a partnership built on mutual trust and understanding.
The public response to this birthday tribute has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the genuine nature of the message and the window it provides into the private life of one of Nigeria’s most respected journalists. The message serves not only as a birthday celebration but also as a testament to enduring love and partnership in the public eye.
As Reuben Abati marks another year, his wife’s tribute stands as a powerful reminder that behind every public figure is a private life filled with love, challenges, and growth. Her words not only celebrate her husband’s birthday but also offer an inspiring view of marriage as a journey of continuous learning and mutual support.
