The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced the death of its treasurer and veteran journalist, Hajiya Rafatu Salami, who served as Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
IPI Nigeria Secretary Mallam Ahmed I. Shekarau, in a statement released Friday in Abuja, described Salami as an accomplished journalist who left an indelible mark on the profession.
“Rafatu was a compassionate woman who was always ready to give a helping hand to her colleagues with her wealth of experience gained over the years,” the statement noted.
Salami’s contributions to journalism extended beyond her role at VON. She served as Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council from 2015 to 2018, demonstrating her commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism in Nigeria.
IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed praised Salami’s legacy, noting her “dedication to journalism, unwavering integrity, selflessness and compassion for humanity.”
Malam Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, recalled Salami’s dedication to helping others, sharing how she once led a successful fundraising campaign for a colleague’s overseas medical treatment.
Notable media personalities including Kadaria Ahmed, founder of Radio Now and IPI Nigeria Board of Trustees member, Victoria Ibanga, publisher of The Next Edition, and Folu Olamiti, publisher of Newspot, expressed their condolences and praised Salami’s contributions to Nigerian journalism.
Salami, who was married with children, will be laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery, Apo District, following funeral prayers at the Abuja National Mosque.
The IPI secretary noted that her passing has created a significant void in Nigerian journalism, stating that “Rafatu died when her services were most needed by IPI Nigeria and the nation, having stamped her foot in the sands of time. She would be greatly missed by her colleagues, family and admirers.”
