By Emmanuel Edukugho
LAGOS — The Nigerian Academy of Letters, NAL, yesterday inducted Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati as a fellow.

Abati, who was the immediate past Chairman, Editorial Board, The Guardian Newspapers was admitted into NAL at its 13th Convocation and Investiture ceremony held at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos.

In a citation read by Prof. Festus Adesanoye, Abati was recognised as a fearless social critic, accomplished writer, former university teacher, brilliant lawyer, journalist par excellence and one-time member of the Governing Council, Olabisi Onabanjo University (formerly Ogun State University), Ago-Iwoye.

Another recipient of honorary fellowship was Alagba Adebayo Faleti, renowned Yoruba poet, actor, translator, broadcaster and television exponent. He translated the Nigerian National Anthem from English to Yoruba, and speeches of military President Ibrahim Babangida and Chief Ernest Shonekan.

The Regular Fellows admitted as members of NAL were Prof. Bamidele Rotimi Badejo, Prof. Conrad M.B. Brann, Prof. Agwonorobo Enaeme Eruvbetine, Prof. Abiola Odejide and Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, Vice Chancellor, Caleb University, Imota.

In his address, Prof. Ben Elugbe said for the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Academy of Letters, as the apex academic organisation in the humanities in Nigeria, is in a position to offer advice and service on all kinds of issues in this country.

“My job is to ensure that the academy remains focused on its ideals, comparable to what academies do elsewhere in the world. The election and investiture of Academic and honorary Fellows is a part of that ideal because it enables us to recognise and reward, in our own small way, excellence in academics as well as in service to Nigeria.”

He explained that the Academic Fellowships are open to Professors of at least ten years standing while the Honorary Fellowships are open to all Nigerians who hold degrees in Humanities (Or Arts).