By Mark Longyen
Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Ndace, has expressed his shock and sadness over the demise of the agency’s Assistant Director, Digital Media, Mrs. Rafat Salami, who passed away on Dec.20.
Ndace, made this known in a statement on Sunday, describing the former Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as a distinguished professional, beacon of strength, compassion, and inspiration.
According to him, Salami’s death is an irreplaceable loss to her family, colleagues, and all who were privileged to know her.
He added that her remarkable contributions to broadcast journalism and her pivotal role in advancing digital media at VON were extraordinary.
“With profound sadness, the management and staff of Voice of Nigeria (VON) extend heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Mrs. Rafat Idris Salami, our esteemed Assistant Director of Digital Media.
“Her demise on Friday, 20th December 2024, has left us all in shock and deep sorrow.
“Renowned for her impeccable work ethic, multilingual skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence, she was the epitome of professionalism and dedication,” he said.
The VON boss said Salami’s legacy of compassion, resilience, and service will forever inspire everyone, as her integrity, dedication to truth, and exceptional leadership earned her the admiration and respect of her peers.
He said that, over the years, the late Salami played instrumental roles in producing the organisation’s flagship programs, such as VONSCOPE, Sixty Minutes, and Africa Hour.
“My personal relationship with the late Mrs Salami predates my appointment as Director General of VON.
“Following my appointment, I consistently sought her invaluable advice and relied on her steadfast support in our collective efforts to reposition the agency.
“Even at our recent VON retreat earlier this week, despite her health challenges, Mrs Salami participated actively.
“I personally reached out to her during the retreat to pray for her recovery, never imagining that it would be our final interaction,” Ndace further said.
The Director-General noted that beyond her professional accomplishments, the deceased was a passionate unionist, a staunch advocate for gender equity, and a mentor to countless talents within the media industry.
“Her active involvement in the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and NUJ; and her recent re-election as Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI), underscored her lifelong commitment to advancing journalism and human rights.
“A devout Muslim and an active member of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, the late Mrs Salami exemplified a life of faith and service.
“Her tireless advocacy for blood donation and her unwavering dedication to helping the sick were hallmarks of her selflessness and compassion,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her beloved son Ahmad, whom she cherished deeply.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants her family the strength to bear this profound loss and blesses her soul with Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“May the memories of her remarkable life and the indelible impact she made provide comfort to all who mourn her,” he further said.
The late Mrs Rafat Salami began her career with VON as a correspondent in Lagos, where her passion and diligence set her apart.
She steadily rose through the ranks to become VON’s Assistant Director, Digital Media, before her unfortunate demise on Friday.
