- Family of Late NUJ FCT Executive Member Struggles to Cope Amid Double Tragedy
Pat Stevens/
Just weeks after the untimely death of Rafat Idris Salami, a respected journalist and executive member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Chapter, her grieving family has been hit with yet another tragedy.
Rafat’s car, a Toyota Camry with the plate number GWA 402 DP, was stolen in Abuja, leaving her special needs son, Ahmed, and his siblings struggling to navigate life without her.
Rafat Salami, who had recently won re-election in the NUJ FCT Chapter before her passing, was a pillar of strength in her community and her family. A mother of extraordinary resilience and care, she devoted herself to her children, especially Ahmed, who requires specialised attention.
Her sudden death left a deep void, and now her children face an additional blow as the family’s only vehicle—a lifeline for Ahmed’s medical needs and the family’s daily sustenance—has been stolen.
The theft occurred at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja, where Rafat’s mother was receiving treatment. Upon returning from the hospital, the family discovered the car was gone. The oxblood Toyota Camry, with chassis number 411BG22KGXV531999 and engine number 556844923, was last seen at the hospital premises.
“This car was more than just a vehicle; it was a crucial part of their lives,” a close friend of the family shared. “Losing Rafat was devastating, but losing this car adds another layer of hardship to a family already struggling.”
Rafat Salami’s contributions to journalism and her role in the NUJ FCT Chapter were widely recognised. She was a beacon of professionalism, winning the admiration of colleagues and audiences alike.
Her re-election to the NUJ executive team shortly before her passing highlighted her dedication to advancing the journalism profession.
Colleagues and friends will gather this weekend for the “Remembering Rafat” event, organised by the Journalists Roundtable, to honour her legacy. However, the focus has also shifted to providing tangible support for her children, who are now left vulnerable in her absence.
The theft of Rafat’s car is a call for justice, but more importantly, it is a call for compassion. Her children need immediate support to secure Ahmed’s care, continue their education, and rebuild their lives.
If you have any information about the stolen Toyota Camry (Plate Number: GWA 402 DP), please contact the authorities or local NUJ representatives.
For those willing to support Rafat’s children through donations or other forms of assistance, please reach out to the NUJ FCT Chapter at their office on A.E. Ekukinam Street, Utako District, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, or contact them via phone at 0805 435 8737. Alternatively, the NUJ national office can be reached via email at info@nuj.ng or by phone at +234 803 2577 444.
Rafat Salami was a shining star in Nigeria’s journalism landscape and a devoted mother. Let us rally together to ensure her legacy lives on—not through her untimely death, but through the care and support extended to the children she left behind.
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