By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO:- The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has led tributes in honour of late journalist, Alhaji Sirajo Dalhatu Sifawa, describing him as a shining example of professionalism and integrity whose legacy in Nigeria’s media landscape will endure for generations.

The revered monarch, who was represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, spoke during the unveiling of the Sirajo Dalhatu Sifawa SPN Media Gallery, established by the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) to immortalise the late broadcaster.

The Sultan said Sifawa’s life embodied dedication to truth, service to humanity and commitment to ethical journalism, values he urged media practitioners across Nigeria to uphold.

“The late Sifawa lived a life of purpose and service. His commitment to truth and the public good is worthy of emulation by journalists across the country,” the Sultan said.

“Nigeria needs media professionals who will stand firmly for integrity, fairness and national unity.”

He noted that journalism remains a powerful instrument for shaping national consciousness, stressing that the enduring legacy of Sifawa should inspire a new generation of journalists to place public interest above personal gain.

Chairman of SPN Board of Trustees, Engr. Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, said the late journalist played a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s visibility and credibility through his professionalism, efficiency and unwavering dedication.

According to Yabo, the decision to immortalise Sifawa through the media gallery was a modest but meaningful recognition of his invaluable contributions to both the network and the journalism profession.

“Sirajo Sifawa was more than a colleague; he was a pillar of professionalism who helped project the ideals and activities of our network with remarkable commitment,” Yabo said.

“This gallery will stand as a permanent reminder of his legacy and the standards he represented.”

He also announced the launch of a special appeal fund to support the family of the late journalist, revealing that nearly one million naira had already been raised, while appealing to colleagues, associates and well-wishers across the country to contribute further.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, Alhaji Usman Mohammed Binji, described Sifawa as a trailblazer whose distinctive style transformed newscasting at Rima Television.

“He was not only an outstanding broadcaster but also a mentor who trained and guided many younger journalists,” Binji said.

“His passing has left a huge vacuum in 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 former Senior Special Assistant, Malam Kabiru Assada, who both described the late journalist as a committed professional devoted to the ideals of responsible journalism and national development.

Alhaji Sirajo Dalhatu Sifawa died on January 14, 2026, after a brief illness.

Until his death, he served as News Editor at Rima Television and Director of Publicity and Stakeholders Relations for the Sokoto Professionals Network.

The event drew journalists and media stakeholders from across and beyond Sokoto State, with the inauguration of the “Sirajo Dalhatu Sifawa SPN Media Gallery” standing as the high point of the ceremony, in honour of a journalist remembered for his integrity, dedication and service to society.