Radio France Internationale reporter, Tasi’u Zakari, passes away in Plateau

Tasi’u Zakari, a reporter for Radio France Internationale (RFI) in Plateau State, has passed away.

Mr Zakari was known for his reporting on events in Plateau and other areas in North-central Nigeria. He died on Monday, and his death was announced on Tuesday by colleagues and friends.

His passing has led to tributes from journalists, public officials, and others in the media. They described him as a committed journalist and a true gentleman.

Chuwang Dungs, a correspondent for PREMIUM TIMES, remembered Mr Zakari fondly. Dungs had known him for nearly thirty years. He called him a humble and kind journalist.

Dungs shared that their friendship started when he was a junior secondary school student. Mr Zakari taught him Hausa during that time.

Their bond grew stronger over the years, especially when both were active in journalism. This included Dungs's time as chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Nasarawa State.

Dungs emphasized Mr Zakari's humility and kindness, which he maintained throughout their long friendship.

Sani Mu’azu, the Makama of Jos North, is also mourning the loss of Mr Zakari. He said he was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.

Mu’azu noted that they started their journalism careers around the same time. Their paths crossed during their early years in the field.

He described Mr Zakari as “quiet, laid-back, soft-spoken and deeply committed to his profession.” Mu’azu said he worked briefly with Mr Zakari at the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTV). He saw firsthand his dedication to broadcasting and professionalism.

Their relationship was more than just colleagues. They were young journalists who faced similar challenges in their careers.

Even though their career paths took different directions later on, their friendship stayed strong. Mu’azu moved from mainstream journalism to filmmaking, while Mr Zakari continued as a reporter.

Mu’azu said they often crossed paths, especially when he became part of stories Mr Zakari was covering. “Whenever we met, however, the old warmth and camaraderie remained,” he said.

He mourned Mr Zakari not just as a respected journalist but also as a friend from an important part of his own career.

Mu’azu highlighted the calmness, humility, and professionalism of Mr Zakari. These qualities defined the man he knew.

He prayed for Mr Zakari’s soul to rest in peace. He also asked Allah to forgive any of his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.

Mu’azu prayed for comfort for Mr Zakari’s family, friends, colleagues, and everyone in the media community.

Mr Zakari’s death is a significant loss for the journalism community in Plateau. He was known for his coverage of public affairs.

Details about the circumstances of his death were not available at the time of this report.