By Tunde Emmanuel
Emotions ran high in Sokoto as journalists, dignitaries, associates and family members gathered to honour the late media icon, Sirajo Dalhatu Sifawa, at a solemn memorial programme organised by the Sokoto Professional Network (SPN).
The event, which drew a large turnout from the media community and beyond, was marked by heartfelt tributes, reflections on Sifawa’s enduring legacy, and renewed calls for journalists to uphold the ethics and values he exemplified throughout his career.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Usman Binji, commended SPN for organising what he described as a “timely and meaningful” tribute to a man he portrayed as the embodiment of professionalism in journalism.
“Sifawa dedicated his life to the ideals of true journalism truth, fairness and integrity. His legacy should serve as a guiding light to all practising journalists, not only in Sokoto but across the country,” Binji said.
Reflecting on the inevitability of death, he urged media practitioners to focus on building legacies that would outlive them.
How word: “We must always remember that death is inevitable and strive to leave behind worthy legacies that will speak for us when we are gone,” he added.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Rima Television, Alhaji Labaran Lumu Dundaye represented by Shehu Garba, a Director described the late broadcaster as “a complete gentleman” whose professional impact would not be forgotten anytime soon.
“This is a befitting event to immortalise a man who gave so much to the journalism profession. His commitment, discipline and humility set him apart,” he said.
One of the high points of the memorial was the unveiling of a media gallery dedicated to Sifawa, a symbolic gesture aimed at preserving his contributions to journalism and inspiring future generations.
The gallery showcases photographs, archival materials and highlights from his decades-long career to Sokoto Professional Network.
Several prominent figures, including Yusuf Dingyadi, Faruk Malami Yabo and Kabiru Asada, took turns to pay glowing tributes, recounting Sifawa’s mentorship, generosity and unwavering commitment to nurturing young journalists.
In an emotional moment that underscored the depth of the loss, Sifawa’s daughter, who spoke on behalf of the family, struggled to hold back tears as she expressed gratitude to the organisers and attendees.
“The sudden death of our father was shocking and deeply saddening. We are comforted by the outpouring of love and recognition of his life’s work,” she said.
She urged media practitioners to continue to honour his legacy by upholding the standards he lived for, while also appealing for continued support for the family he left behind.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, described Sifawa’s passing as a painful loss not only to the media industry but to the entire state.
Represented at the event by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, the monarch charged journalists to remain steadfast in their duty to society.
“You must continue to be the voice of the voiceless and uphold truth at all times. That is the essence of journalism and the legacy Sifawa stood for,” he said.
He also commended the leadership of SPN under Engineer Zayyanu Yabo for recognising the late journalist’s immense contributions and ensuring his memory is preserved.
Earlier in his remarks, SPN Chairman, Incorporated Trustees, Engineer Zayyanu Yabo, announced the establishment of a special support fund aimed at catering to the education and welfare of Sifawa’s children.
He called on organisations, particularly the NUJ and other stakeholders in the media industry, to contribute generously to the initiative.
“Sifawa was not just a professional colleague; he was a mentor, a guide and a pillar in the media space. Supporting his family is a responsibility we must all share,” Yabo stated.
Until his passing, Sifawa served as a media consultant to SPN and was a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
He also had a distinguished career at Rima Television, where he spent over three decades shaping the broadcast landscape and mentoring countless journalists.
Speakers at the event were unanimous in their assessment that his death has created a significant void in Sokoto’s media landscape one that will be difficult to fill.
As tributes continue to pour in, many agree that while Sirajo Dalhatu Sifawa may be gone, his legacy of excellence, integrity and service to journalism will endure for generations to come.
