Information Minister Malagi, Moslem Clerics Extol Late Rafat Salami’s Virtues at 3-Day Firdau Prayer
From Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, has urged journalists to draw inspiration from the exemplary life and work of the late Rafat Salami, a respected journalist who made significant contributions to the growth of the profession in Nigeria.
Idris made this appeal during a three-day prayer session held in honor of the deceased at the Al-Habibiyyah Mosque in the Guzape District of Abuja, the nation’s capital. The Information Minister praised Hajia Rafat Salami’s dedication and professionalism.
“Mrs. Salami was very hardworking, courageous, and passionate about everything she pursued. During my tenure as President of the International Press Institute (IPI) in 2015, she served as Treasurer, and her outstanding contributions greatly advanced the Institute’s goals,” he stated.
Idris also conveyed condolences on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, describing her passing as a profound loss to the field of journalism.
Additionally, the Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Fuad Adeyemi, who officiated the prayer session, highlighted Hajia Rafat Salami’s dedication to her faith. He described her as a devout Muslim and a committed member of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society.
“We have lost a sister who played an integral role in the survival and growth of Al-Habibiyyah. Her commitment to the propagation of Islam and her community efforts will remain a lasting legacy,” he said while praying for Allah’s mercy upon her soul.
Imam Adeyemi reflected on her remarkable life, emphasizing her dedication to community service. “We mourn her deeply. Al-Habibiyyah mourns her greatly. We are saddened by Sister Rafat’s departure,” he expressed. He encouraged attendees to find comfort in her legacy of faith and service to humanity, adding, “We are saddened that Almighty Allah has invited her to Him.”
Quoting verse 169 of Surah Al-Imran from the Holy Qur’an, Imam Adeyemi reflected on the eternal life of those who serve Allah: “Think not of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive with their Lord and they have provision.”
Hajia Rafat, an assistant hailing from Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the age of 55, after a brief illness. Until her passing, Hajia Rafat Salami served as the Assistant Director of Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria (VON) and was the Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI). She was also actively involved in the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council as a former secretary.
