Rafat Salami is gone. The renowned broadcaster from Kogi, who warmed our hearts with her gifts and unusual motherly affection, has died. According to reports, the seasoned television journalist died on Thursday about 11 p.m. She ended the journey of life to begin a new one: the eternal walk.
The Nigerian media industry has suffered a significant blow. The industry has lost one of its most valuable contributors, who dedicated her passion and talent to furthering the course of journalism in Nigeria. Rafat Salami was a symbol of skill, love, and motherhood. Despite being seriously ill, she was intentionally seen when necessary. Her determination and strength were unparalleled. She led an impactful life.
Rafat Salami’s tale is incomplete without mentioning her autistic son, Ahmed. I feel she was more loved for her motherly role than her career. As skilled as she was, I recognized her more for her autism awareness and her ability to handle a large burden with a grin. I was perusing Facebook when I came across a story of a mother who abandoned her child because the infant had autism. It was a sad and unexpected story.
I read the story and then clicked the comment section to share my thoughts on the subject. Raising a child with autism is undoubtedly one of the 100 ways to die. I know several mothers who have autistic children and understand the additional stress and effort required to raise them. It is a time-consuming task that necessitates extreme attention and prudence. I urged mothers of autistic children to continue their humanitarian efforts.
After I had left my comment, I noticed a pattern in the section. People were tagging Rafat Salami to give her thoughts and advise for the mother in question. I read her statement regarding the mother’s difficulties and her autistic child. She begged Facebook users not to hate or disrespect the woman, but rather to pity her because she was going through a lot. Raising an autistic child is a difficult and emotionally charged task. A test of motherly love and resilience.
When I observed a group of individuals tagging someone on social media, I anticipated to see false activists or philanthropists taking advantage of people’s difficulties to raise funds through NGOs or foundations. These emergency activists practice camera altruism. They say what they do not do. I even indicated to a buddy that the commentator most likely runs a foundation and is looking for donors. I immediately clicked on her name, which took me to her official Facebook profile, “mother of a resilient young man with Autism, CP, and ADHD who’s overcoming his challenges and thriving”.
I took my time accessing Rafat Salami’s page and spent four hours on her timeline. I watched recordings of how she cared for her loving kid Ahmed. She was kind, caring, sensitive, patient, and homely. She took Ahmed as a huge duty that she couldn’t avoid. Each video showed a mother who never grew tired of parenting her exceptional child. She was concerned about the food he ate, the clothing he wore, and the manner he communicated.
The video of Rafat Salami lying in bed and asking her unhappy son, Ahmed, was the most touching. Ahmed stated that he would never abandon his mother because she was always there for him when no one else was. He later wept. When persons with autism cry, their entire body responds. I looked with regret and remembered Ahmed as Rafat Salami was lowered into the grave.
As much as I sympathize with Ahmed for losing her beloved mother, my main concern is how he will live in this unstable world where you don’t know who loves you. It is not a double difficult puzzle. Ahmed’s soulmate has passed away. For Ahmed, this is a double tragedy. He’s lost his mother and care.
As I grieve the passing of Rafat Salami, the radio host who used her voice to bless every listener, I recall her contributions to the media business and her efforts to support women in journalism. Her dedication to autism awareness was rare, uncommon, and remarkable. She loved not only her exceptional child, but all special children, whether at home or on the street. She was a symbol of courage and unflinching resiliency to mothers of autistic children.
President Bola Tinubu praised her as a courageous woman who made significant contributions to the development of Nigerian media. The NUJ Abuja council, the International Press Institute, the National Association of Women Journalists, and the Voice of Nigeria expressed their profound condolences, describing Salami as a core professional and activist who made significant contributions not just to the growth of journalism but also to autism awareness. Rafat Salami’s death is a personal loss for Ahmed, a loss for her family, and an even greater loss for society. Everyone misses Rafat Salami.
Rest in power, seasoned broadcaster and wonderful mother.