Hajj stampede: Nigerian Guild of Editors mourns Hajiya Bilkisu

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed its ‘deep sense of loss and sadness over the death of a trailblazing, quintessential, and indefatigable Nigerian Journalist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, (FNGE), who died during a stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, September 24, 2015.’

In a statement, Tuesday, by Victoria Ibanga, the General Secretary, the group said it was ‘greatly saddened by her untimely passing and sincerely convey deep sympathies in this difficult time to members of her family who painfully bear the brunt of her sudden exit.’

“Hajiya Bilkisu was an invaluable and respected fellow of our prestigious association ( FNGE), who broke the glass ceiling to edit two National newspapers and a magazine namely, The Triumph in Kano, The New Nigerian, and Citizen (both in Kaduna). Besides being the first female Editor from Northern Nigeria, she scored many other firsts in the course of her sojourn here on earth. She was the founding member of Women in Nigeria (WIN), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association (FOMWAN), a columnist for Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers, and the Executive Director of Advocacy Nigeria, a movement for the reduction of maternal and child mortality.

“In a journalism carrier, which spanned over three decades, Hajiya Bilkisu, had carved a niche for herself, contributing immensely to the growth of the Guild and development of the media industry in Nigeria, Africa and the whole world. This feat had made her a great citizen of the world.

“She was a veteran journalist, columnist, journalism ombudsman, civil society activist, and above all, a religious leader who through her work touched many lives, united families, states and the nation in general. Hajiya as she was fondly called was also a brilliant voice for the voiceless Nigerian Girl Child.

“We also convey our heartfelt sympathies to the families of other victims of the tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” the Editors’ Guild said.