Minister of Information Condoles VON, IPI Over Death of Rafatu Salami

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the passing of Hajiya Rafatu Salami, Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, as a significant loss to the media industry.

“Hajiya Rafatu, a seasoned and consummate journalist and former Secretary of the Abuja Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), will be remembered for her outstanding journalism career. She mentored many young journalists, particularly at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), where she rose to become the cornerstone of the organisation’s digital operations during her remarkable 23-year career with the organisation,” said Idris.

Her death, Idris added, “leaves a huge void within the VON family and at the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria), where she served diligently, helping to consolidate the Institute as a critical defender of journalists’ rights, a promoter of press freedom, and an advocate for journalists’ welfare. She was recently re-elected as its treasurer.”

The Minister noted that the late Rafatu remained professionally active until her final moments, having fully participated in the three-day VON Management Retreat, which concluded just a day before her passing on Friday.

“I, therefore, extend my condolences to the management and staff of VON, IPI Nigeria, and the Nigerian media community on the loss of such an illustrious woman who was dedicated to her journalism career and lived a life of impact, compassion, and integrity,” Idris said.

The minister prayed for Allah to grant her eternal rest and to bestow her immediate family with the fortitude to bear this loss.

Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation

Saturday, 21 December 2024