The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Council FCT Council has mourned the sudden demise of the former Secretary of the Council, Mrs. Rafat Idris.
Mrs Rafat died in the early hours of Friday, December 20th 2024, in Abuja after a brief illness.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of Council, Jide Oyekunle described the untimely death of the former Secretary as a huge shock to the Union.
According to the statement, “The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council received the news of sudden death of the former Secretary, Mrs Rafat Salami today, Friday, December 2024, with a rude shock and disbelief.
“Rafat is a great asset to journalism and a quintessential journalist who has served the union meritoriously in many capacities at different levels.”
“ She is a friend and mother to all.”
“She served the union with unwarranted dedication and commitment, contributing significantly to the growth of the profession during her tenure as Secretary of Council. She is a peace-loving and easygoing person who has remained a strong member.
“She was not only a remarkable leader but also a cherished friend to many people in the profession. Her passion for professionalism and excellence will always be remembered.
The council expresses its deep condolences to the immediate family she left behind, the NUJ Voice of Nigeria, VON, Chapel, the NUJ, and the entire VON management in this time of grief.
Rafat was the Assistant Director of Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria, VON. She was the former Assistant Secretary of the International Press Institute, IPI Nigeria and was re-elected as the Treasurer of the Institute last week.
She was the founder of the Okenite Foundation for Special Needs Children and a Media Personnel of Habbabiya.
She hails from Ihima in the Okenne Local Government Area of Kogi State, and she is survived by three children.
She will be buried according to Islamic rites.
