I still find it difficult to come to terms with the sudden demise of Rafatu Salami.
We only knew each other as practising journalists, but our first physical contact happened when I joined the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria. That was at the three-day conference of the International Press Conference in October 2023, held at Ikeja GRA. I can attest to the proactive nature of Rafatu, which I admired, as she was up and doing to ensure a successful programme. Those skills coupled with her accommodating nature made us to be professionally close.
Our second encounter was during a training organised for senior journalists in Nigeria by Nestle Nigeria Plc held between 11 to 13 September 2024. Interestingly, Rafatu and I represented IPI and this also provided opportunity for us to be more united in journalism.
I recalled vividly that she exhibited her cerebral skills at the training session with robust contributions, and also added glamour to the programme, with her no-dull-moment nature, which also caught attention of all participants.
I can attest to the superb accommodating nature of Rafatu. She always related with me as if we had known each other for decades.
I cherished the outspoken and vibrant journalist for her humility, proactive nature and hardwork, among other qualities. She didn’t believe in failure, but always optimistic that there should be positive results for whatever project she showed interest
On 25 October 2024, Rafatu sent me a message about a proposed conference being organised by an establishment to take place in Abeokuta, and asked me to help secure venue and attend to other logistics, which I swiftly responded to, as a way to also appreciate her, because if you give her an assignment, Rafatu would also ensure that she provide good results
In the course of our discussions, I encouraged her to join Nigerian Guild of Editors, of which I am also a member, because of her competence in the media. In response, she said she would join when she attain the position of Deputy Director in her office, explaining that she was still an Assistant Director. She expressed optimism that she would soon get her promotion which would pave way for her to join the Guild.
However, on 3 November 2024 when I didn’t hear from her about the proposed conference, I was curious to know the cause of delay, but sent me a message that she had been experiencing excruciating pain on her legs and could not walk or sit, but making attempt to walk round her room.
I felt for her, and had to recommend a pain relief lotion, and sent the image to her so that she can buy and start applying on the legs. I was thinking it was just a minor pain at that time. She appreciated my concern, and replied that she would source for it.
Below is first in the series of our WhatsApp chats
Ijesakinsman: Uv done ur conference in Abeokuta?
Rafatu IPI: No. I’ve been incapacitated for 8 weeks now
Ijesakinsman: What went wrong
Rafatu IPI: Had excruciating pain on my right leg, could not walk or sit
But I have begun walking around my room now
At least I go to toilet without support
Ijesakinsman: God perfect ur healing
Rafatu IPI: Amen
But I became shocked on 12 December 2024 when I saw her on the wheel chair during the conference IPI held in Abuja. Honestly, I was dazed with that picture posted on the Institute’s membership platform.
I could not keep mute over the development and had to send text messages to her later in the evening of the event, telling her that I never knew the medical situation was so heartbreaking. In response, she said she cried for hours before she could accept to use the wheel chair to attend the event
This worrisome development motivated me to have regular contacts with her, both chats and videos, This was between 9 and 17 December 2024, as produced below. In the early morning of Friday, about 48 hours after our chat and video discussions, i got the sad news.
Yet I still didn’t belief because I still spoke with her few days. My doubt made me to put a call across to her phone at about 7 am. The receiver of the phone call, who identified himself as a brother-in-law, confirmed the bad news which shattered the day for me and the journalism family.
Rafatu has done her bit, came and gone, but her good work, particularly in the media industry will forever remain a reference point. No doubt, her sudden exit will be felt in the journalism world because of her love for the profession. God rest her soul.
Here’s the second version of our conversation between 9 and 17 December:
Ijesakinsman: I never knew is that serious that ur on wheel chair
Rafatu IPI: Yeah
Ijesakinsman: God will perfect the healing
Rafatu IPI: Amen
Ijesakinsman: Honestly, I was shocked when I saw it.
Rafatu IPI: I cried for a whole day before agreeing to use it
Ijesakinsman: U don’t need to cry, just be optimistic. I can understand cos I know how proactive ur, and to be confine on wheel chair can be difficult experience. I know God will heal you
Rafatu IPI: Getting better by the day
Ijesakinsman: I already have you in my prayer point
Rafatu IPI: Amen and amen
Ijesakinsman: Honestly, I was shocked when I saw that ur pix at conference. But am optimistic that you will get over it
Rafatu IPI: By the special grace of God, the worst is already behind us
Ijesakinsman: God grace
God grace and very soon you will rise up to your feet and be more agile and proactive
Rafatu IPI: Amen and amen
Ijesakinsman: How are u fairing now
Rafatu IPI: Much better. Thank you sir
Ijesakinsman: You will walk on ur own
Rafatu IPI: Amen
Kayode-Adedeji is founder Penpushing Media and member International Press Institute. He wrote this piece from Abeokuta, Ogun State
