Sultan eulogises late journalist as group raise fund

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Monday paid a glowing tribute to the late journalist, and Staffer of Sokoto State Broadcasting Corporation, Sirajo Dalhatu Sifawa, describing his life as purposeful and of emulation.

He noted that Sifawa’s dedication to humanity and the journalism profession left a lasting legacy, urging media practitioners to remain committed to truth and ethical standards in society.

He further described the deceased as a consummate professional whose contributions to journalism would not be forgotten.

“He was a prolific journalist whose positive impact on the profession remains indelible,” he said.

The monarch, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, spoke at the unveiling of a media gallery established in honour of the deceased by the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN).

Also, former Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, Ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo, represented by Bello Yabo, described the deceased as a trusted friend and brother whose loss is deeply felt.

Speaking at the event, SPN Chairman, Engr. Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, said the late Sifawa played a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s visibility and credibility through his professionalism, efficiency and dedication.

According to him, immortalising the late media icon was a modest way of appreciating his immense contributions to the network.

Yabo also announced the launch of an appeal fund to support the deceased’s family, revealing that close to one million naira had already been raised, while calling on colleagues and well-wishers to contribute further.

In his remarks, the Sokoto State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Usman Mohammed Binji, described Sifawa as a trailblazer who redefined newscasting at Rima Television.

He said the deceased was a mentor and trainer whose death has created a significant vacuum within the media community.

In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman (Incorporated) of SPN and Coordinator of the Memorial Committee, Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Muhammad, described Sifawa as a quintessential journalist and committed professional.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Incorporated Trustees of SPN, Engr. Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, said the late Sifawa’s dedication and commitment to duty were unparalleled and worthy of emulation by journalists across the country.

The Managing Director of Sokoto State Media Corporation, Labaran Lumo Dundaye, who was represented by the Manager, News, Rima Television, Malam Shehu Garba, said the death of Sifawa had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, Alhaji Usman Mohammed Binji, commended SPN for organising the memorial.

“We will remain eternally grateful for his contributions. His legacies will continue to inspire us,” he said.

Other speakers, including veteran journalists Malam Kabiru Assada and Alhaji Yusuf Dingyadi, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, paid glowing tributes to the late journalist.

Also, former Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, Faruk Malami Yabo, represented by Bello Yabo, described the deceased as a trusted friend and brother whose loss is deeply felt.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the daughter of the deceased, Hafsat Sirajo Sifawa, expressed appreciation to SPN for the gesture.

She described her late father as a pious, humble and dedicated journalist, as well as a caring breadwinner.

Other dignitaries who paid tributes included the Special Adviser on Media to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Yusuf Dingyadi, and a former Senior Special Assistant, Malam Kabiru Assada.

Sifawa died on January 14, 2026, after a brief illness. Until his death, he was the News Editor at Rima Television, Director of Publicity and Stakeholders Relations at SPN and was also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).