Sultan Eulogises Late Rima TV Journalist As SPN Launches Appeal Fund

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

Sultan Abubakar III spoke at the unveiling of a media gallery established in honour of the deceased by the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN).

Represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, the monarch noted that Sifawa’s dedication to humanity and the journalism profession left a lasting legacy.

The monarch, however, urged 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.

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 the State-owned Rima Television.

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

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. He also served as Director of Publicity and Stakeholders Relations at SPN and was a member of the Nigeria Guid of Editors (NGE).