The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced its decision to establish an endowment prize at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) in memory of its late Treasurer, Rafat Idris Salami, reports ITREALMS.
IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, confirmed the decision during his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting held on December 2, 2025.
In his emotional tribute, Mojeed requested members and guests, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to observe a one-minute silence for Salami.
Mojeed highlighted the late Treasurer's profound dedication:
“Last year, even in severe pain and confined to a wheelchair, she insisted on attending the conference. She greeted guests, co-ordinated logistics, took photographs with her phone and served with grace until her body could no longer carry her. Her commitment was a reminder that Journalism is not merely a job; it is a calling. It demands sacrifice; It demands conviction.”
Salami, who served as the Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), passed away on December 20, 2024. Her death occurred just days after the first annual conference of IPI Nigeria, where she participated actively despite her illness.
The IPI Nigeria National Committee confirmed that the endowment will be placed at UniAbuja, which was Salami’s alma mater.
Mojeed elaborated on the purpose of the award:
“We will work with the University to ensure that every year, young Journalists are inspired by the values Rafat lived by— integrity, courage, and selfless service.”
Prior to her passing, Salami was widely eulogized by the IPI, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (where she had served as Secretary), her employer, VON, and numerous colleagues.
Her career at VON began as a News Editor and correspondent in Lagos, and she rose through the ranks to head the Digital Media unit before her demise.
Uboshe Uboshe/Editor
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