By Adamu Yusuf
The journalism community in Kaduna State has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Publisher of Terms Magazine, Mallam Jafar Yakubu Maitama.
Jafar died in the early hours of Monday, leaving behind family members, colleagues and friends who described him as a dedicated media professional, gentleman and advocate of responsible journalism.
The Chairman of the NUJ Kaduna State Council, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, led a delegation to the deceased’s family to offer condolences.
He described Jafar as a humble and hardworking journalist who made significant contributions to the media industry through Terms Magazine.
AbdulGafar said the late publisher was calm, respectful and dedicated to using his platform to highlight issues affecting ordinary citizens.
The Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Gambo Santos, who announced the death, described the deceased as a close friend and colleague.
He said Jafar was committed to journalism and believed in telling stories that had meaningful impact on society, adding that his death was a significant loss to the journalism community in Kaduna.
Also paying tribute, Kaduna State official, Mallam Balarabe Junaidu, described Jafar as a quiet achiever who believed in the media as a tool for education, public awareness and advocacy.
Another colleague, Babagida Kakaki, said the late publisher was not a loud person but allowed his work to speak for him.
Colleagues recalled Jafar’s passion for magazine journalism, noting that through Terms Magazine, he promoted issues relating to culture, governance and human-interest stories across Northern Nigeria.
They said he believed journalism should go beyond reporting events to contributing to the development of society.
The deceased was buried at Bachama Cemetery in Kaduna following funeral prayers led by the Chief Imam of Tudun Wada Central Mosque, Mallam Abdulkarim Hashinu Bindawa.
Family members, friends and a large gathering of journalists attended the funeral to pay their last respects.
At the graveside, mourners described Jafar as a man of integrity who was devoted to his family, profession and community, while praying Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.
