Tasi'u Zakari, a broadcast journalist with Radio France International's Hausa Service, has died after a brief illness. He passed away on Tuesday morning at Sauki Hospital in Jos, Plateau State. Mohammed Shittu, zonal editor of Blueprint newspaper, confirmed his death. Zakari's son, Zaharadeen, disclosed that his father had been ill before his death. The cause of his illness was not disclosed.
Zakari was buried at the Zakalio Muslim Cemetery in Jos, following a funeral prayer. He is survived by two wives and six children - three males and three females. His son, Zaharadeen, described his father as a caring and peaceful promoter. Zakari's family and colleagues are mourning his loss. He was a well-known journalist in Nigeria, respected for his professionalism.
Bashir Idris, RFI editor, attended Zakari's funeral and burial. He described Zakari as one of the best staff members RFI had. Idris has known Zakari for over 40 years, since they were teachers in Jos. Zakari later joined Plateau Radio Television Corporation as a newscaster. Idris recommended Zakari as RFI's correspondent, and they worked together for over a decade.
Idris described Zakari's death as a great loss to RFI and Nigeria's media landscape. Chuwang Dungs, PREMIUM TIMES' correspondent in Plateau, also mourned Zakari. Dungs knew Zakari for nearly three decades and described him as humble and kind. Zakari taught Dungs Hausa when he was a student, and they remained in touch as colleagues in journalism.
Sani Mu'azu, Makama of Jos North, received news of Zakari's death with shock and sadness. Mu'azu and Zakari began their journalism careers around the same time. Mu'azu described Zakari as quiet, laid-back, and deeply committed to his profession. They worked together at Plateau Radio Television Corporation, where Mu'azu witnessed Zakari's dedication to broadcasting.
Mu'azu and Zakari's professional paths diverged, but their relationship remained cordial. Mu'azu eventually left mainstream journalism for filmmaking, while Zakari continued as a reporter. Their paths continued to cross, particularly when Mu'azu was part of Zakari's stories. Mu'azu described Zakari as a perfect gentleman.
Former Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Al-Makura, sent a condolence message. He described Zakari as a dedicated and experienced journalist. Al-Makura prayed for Zakari's soul to rest in peace and urged his family to accept God's will. Zakari's death has been met with widespread mourning in Nigeria's journalism community.
Key points
- Tasi'u Zakari, RFI Hausa Service correspondent, dies after brief illness in Jos, Plateau State.
- Zakari is remembered by colleagues as a humble, kind, and dedicated journalist.
- His death has been met with widespread mourning in Nigeria's journalism community.
