Abuja: The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria is set to establish a prize at the University of Abuja in memory of its late treasurer, Rafat Salami. This initiative aims to instill in students the values that Salami exemplified throughout her career.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed confirmed the decision during the opening ceremony of the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja. Salami, who was the Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), passed away on December 20, 2024, shortly after participating in IPI Nigeria’s inaugural conference and AGM.
Despite her illness, Salami was actively involved in the event, demonstrating her dedication to journalism. During the forum, Mojeed requested attendees, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, to observe a minute of silence in her memory. Mojeed highlighted Salami’s unwavering commitment, noting that even in pain and confined to a wheelchair, she attended the conference, managed logistics, and engaged with guests.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Salami was an alumna of the University of Abuja. Mojeed emphasized the importance of inspiring future journalists with the principles Salami embodied, such as integrity, courage, and selfless service. Following her passing, Salami was praised by numerous organizations, including IPI, the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and her colleagues at VON. Her career began with VON as a News Editor and Correspondent in Lagos.