Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
A non-profit organisation, Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) has unveiled a Media Gallery Memorial in honour of late journalist, Surajo Dalhatu Sifawa, a staff member of Sokoto State Television (Rima Television), who died after a brief illness.
The memorial, established to immortalise the deceased, was unveiled on Saturday in Sokoto in the presence of colleagues, family members, associates, and dignitaries, including a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
Until his death, Sifawa served as Director of Media and Public Relations of SPN and was also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
Representing the Sultan, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, described the late journalist 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.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman 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, Ambassador 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.
The event featured tributes highlighting the enduring legacy of the late Sifawa and his contributions to journalism in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.
