IPI Nigeria to Immortalise Late Treasurer With University Endowment Prize
Abuja, Nigeria — December 2, 2025
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced plans to immortalise its late Treasurer, Rafat Idris Salami, by endowing a journalism prize at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) in her honour.
In a statement released on Friday, the institute said the prize is intended to instil in students the enduring values that Salami embodied throughout her distinguished career—integrity, courage, and selfless service.
The President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, unveiled the decision during the opening ceremony of the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on December 2, 2025. Mojeed noted that the initiative aligns with the organisation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of journalists while preserving the memory of a woman who exemplified dedication to the profession.
Salami, who served as Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), passed away on December 20, 2024, just days after the inaugural IPI Nigeria Conference and AGM. Despite battling a severe illness, she participated actively in the event.
In his welcome address at this year’s conference, Mojeed reflected on her unwavering devotion:
“Last year, even in severe pain and confined to a wheelchair, she insisted on attending the conference. She greeted guests, coordinated 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.”
He further revealed that the National Committee of IPI Nigeria would collaborate closely with the University of Abuja—Salami’s alma mater—to ensure the annual prize inspires young journalists to emulate the principles she lived by.
The ceremony also featured a one-minute silence in her honour, observed by members and distinguished guests, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Upon her death, Salami received widespread tributes from IPI Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)—where she once served as Secretary—as well as her colleagues and employer, VON.
Rafat Idris Salami began her journalism career with VON as a News Editor and Lagos correspondent. Through years of dedication and professionalism, she rose to the position of Assistant Director in charge of Digital Media, a role she held until her passing.
The forthcoming endowment prize is expected to stand as a lasting testament to her impactful life and unwavering commitment to the journalism profession.
