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.
Mrs. Salami was far more than a professional; she was a beacon of strength, compassion, and inspiration. Her remarkable contributions to broadcast journalism and her pivotal role in advancing digital media at VON were extraordinary. Renowned for her impeccable work ethic, multilingual skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence, she was the epitome of professionalism and dedication.
My personal relationship with 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.
Mrs. Salami’s illustrious journey with VON began as a correspondent in Lagos, where her passion and diligence set her apart. Over the years, she played instrumental roles in producing flagship programs such as VONSCOPE, Sixty Minutes, and Africa Hour. Her integrity, dedication to truth, and exceptional leadership earned her the admiration and respect of her peers.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Salami 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), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (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, 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.
Her passing is an irreplaceable loss to her family, colleagues, and all who were privileged to know her. 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.
Mrs. Salami’s legacy of compassion, resilience, and service will forever inspire us. May the memories of her remarkable life and the indelible impact she made provide comfort to all who mourn her.
