The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has received, with great sadness, the news of the demise of one of its prominent members, Hajia Rafat Salami.
Describing the news as most shocking, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim Bura, National Chairperson of the association stated that Hajia Salami was a journalist who paid her dues in full and left in her trail, legacies of hardwork through her commitment to unionism, serving both the parent union, NUJ and NAWOJ in various capacities.
The National Chairperson also described Salami as, “A warm personality whose spirit of camaraderie was infectious and endeared her to many and a great mother who gave hope to the world through her tender and loving care of her special needs son, Ahmed and brought great relief to families with children with special needs.”
Comrade Aisha Bura also noted that Salami was a professional to the core, an activist who contributed immensely not only in the growth of the association, but was also a front liner in championing the cause of Women, the girl-child and the wellbeing of families.
“Through her Special Care demonstrated openly for her son, Ahmed, Rafat was able to drum up awareness on the Social Media and various live platforms to support the survival of Special Needs Children, delivering papers at seminars and creating awareness on issues affecting Special Need Children, supporting, giving succor to families of children suffering from autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy and helping integrate many youths back into the society.”
The NAWOJ Boss added, “Salami will be greatly missed by not only NAWOJ, but the society at large. May the Almighty Alhah grant her Aljannatul Firdous.”
The National Chairperson says the Association’s Welfare Committee will consider starting off an endowment for the care of Ahmed.
Until her death, Rafat Salami was staff of the Voice of Nigeria, a strong voice in support of Gender Equality and equity.
Wasilah Ladan
NAWOJ National Secretary