Late Rafat Salami Treasurer IPI & VON Staff
The (IPI) Nigeria promise to endow a prize at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) in honour of its late Treasurer, Rafat Idris Salami was in recognition of her contributions to journalism profession and the international organizational.
Rafat Salami graduated from the Mass Communication department of the University of Abuja.
Excellence Professional Values
In a statement on Friday, IPI Nigeria said the prize to be endowed will be to instil in students of the institution the values that the late Treasurer stood for.
These are values of Integrity , courage , hardwork, discipline, professionalism , commitment and selfless service to the society at large.
The President of the body, Musikilu Mojeed, confirmed the decision during the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Abuja.
Salami, the then Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), died on December 20, 2024, just days after the first annual conference and AGM of IPI Nigeria, where she participated actively despite being ill.
Honour Well Reserved
Speaking on her death in his welcome address at the second annual conference and AGM, 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 in her honour.
He said: “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.
The President IPI Nigeria promised to work with the University of Abuja to ensure that every year, young Journalists are inspired by the values Rafat lived by , integrity, courage, and selfless service.
When she died last year, Salami was eulogised by the IPI; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, where she had served as Secretary; her employer, VON, and colleagues.
Remarkable Media Career
The late Salami began her career with VON as a News Editor and correspondent in Lagos.
She rose through the ranks to become VON’s Assistant Director in charge of Digital Media before her demise.
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