By Goodluck Ikiebe
Hajia Rafatu Salami, a Broadcast journalist with the Voice of Nigeria, VON, is dead.
The vibrant broadcaster, unionist and activist died on Thursday night after a brief illness.
Her remains had been laid to rest according to Islamic rites immediately after the Jumat service by 2pm today.
The entire Journalists community worldwide has been thrown into mourning.
Hajia Rafatu belonged to so many professional associations including Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, International Press Institute, IPI, Nigeria; Journalists Roundtable and so many others.
We at Global Network News, GNN, join her family, friends, colleagues and management of the Voice of Nigeria and the entire FCT journalists community to pray for peaceful repose of her soul and may Allah forgive her shortcomings and comfort those left behind.
Hajia Rafatu, who was a former Secretary of NUJ FCT Council, died at 53.
Comments By Colleagues and Friends over her demise.
My heart aches at the news of your passing.😭😭😭😭😭😭 It is shocking, heartbreaking, and deeply devastating. I am pained by your loss. You were a warrior and a truly dependable ally. Good night, my dear friend, Rafat.
Ahmed, her favourite Son broke the sad news this way; “She had a fever, she vomited and podged. And then she died”.
One death too many from Gabriel Omohinmi to Alhaji Layiwola Lawal now Madam Rafat, God. This is too much, we are begging you.
This is truly devastating, I have been looking for my reading glasses,making it difficult for me to access my wattasp, didn’t know what was happening until someone called to ask me what was happening, I had to go borrow glasses to come online.
God grant her soul eternal rest and comfort Ahmed, family, friends and the entire VON family.
Rest on Madam Rafat, a strong woman and more . 😭💔😭💔😭💔
LIFE, what an empty space.
My people will say oku nsukun oku😓 it was indeed a Black Thursday/Friday for me when I heard of your passing. O death where is thy sting? This is my first great shock of this year, and oh what a shock it is. Rest in peace GoC, may your boys be greater than you!!!
Innalillahi wainna ilai rajiun.
Innalillahi wainna ilai rajiun..
Madam Rafat is gone..!!😭😭😭.
May Almighty Allah forgive all her shortcomings and grant her eternal rest.
May Almighty grant us the fortitude to bear the lost.
It’s so sad…
May Almighty Allah grant us the fortitude to bear the lost.
😭😭😭
Rafat!!! I still don’t believe what I’m hearing. It’s like a dream! I saw you briefly at VON retreat, I didn’t know you only came to say goodbye. What will happen to Ahmed? One can’t ask God questions. May your soul find peace with the Almighty Allah and grant you paradise as your wonderful works and deeds are mighty and widely spread across the entire world.
😭😭😭Adieu Rafat😭😭😭
Oh., Madam Rafat. We love you, but God loved her the most. Rest on.
😭😭😭It’s quite a pity ooo, and to think she was so happy to be in our midst at the Retreat , this makes it more shocking. May God console VONs family, her family and friends !!
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO NUJ VON CHAPEL
Words alone cannot fully convey the depth of grief and sorrow we feel for such an immense loss.
Mrs Rafat Salami was a comrade, a pillar, and a mother figure. She served as a two-term Chairman of the Chapel and as Secretary of the FCT Council, leaving an indelible legacy of dedication and service.
On behalf of the NUJ VON Executive, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Late Hajia Rafatu Salami, GOC, SOC, as you want to be fondly called, Rest in Peace, From your Super Editor, as you also call me, Adieu!!!
