Kaduna, August 24, 2025 – The city of Kaduna is mourning the untimely death of Mrs. Hajara Alabelewe, the wife of Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council. Mrs. Alabelewe passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 24, 2025, at approximately 1 a.m. in a hospital in Kaduna, following a brief illness. Her death has left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community, who remember her as a dedicated professional and a compassionate individual.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Loss
Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, the bereaved NUJ chairman, confirmed the tragic news in a statement to the press on Sunday. He revealed that his wife succumbed to complications from malaria, a common but potentially deadly illness in Nigeria. The suddenness of her passing has shocked many, as Mrs. Alabelewe was reportedly in good health prior to the onset of her illness. The brevity of her sickness underscores the unpredictable nature of malaria, which remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria despite ongoing efforts to combat it.
Mrs. Hajara Alabelewe was a respected staff member of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna, where she served with diligence and commitment. Her professional contributions to the DSS, combined with her role as a supportive partner to the NUJ chairman, made her a well-regarded figure in both professional and social circles. Her death is not only a personal loss for her family but also a blow to the institutions and communities she served.
A Life of Service and Dedication
While specific details about Mrs. Alabelewe’s life and career remain private, those who knew her describe her as a woman of integrity, kindness, and resilience. As a member of the DSS, she played a vital role in supporting the agency’s operations in Kaduna, a state that has faced significant security challenges in recent years. Her work, though often behind the scenes, contributed to the safety and stability of the region, earning her the respect of her colleagues and superiors.
Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Alabelewe was a devoted wife and mother, providing unwavering support to her husband, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, in his demanding role as the NUJ chairman. The NUJ in Kaduna has been a critical voice in advocating for press freedom, ethical journalism, and the welfare of journalists in the state. Mrs. Alabelewe’s quiet but steadfast presence behind the scenes was a source of strength for her husband as he navigated the challenges of leadership in this influential organization.
Her passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and condolences from colleagues, friends, and community members. Many have taken to social media and other platforms to express their sorrow and pay tribute to her memory. “Mrs. Hajara was a kind soul who touched many lives with her warmth and generosity,” said Aisha Mohammed, a close family friend. “Her loss is deeply felt, and we pray for strength for her family during this difficult time.”
Funeral Arrangements and Community Response
The Alabelewe family has announced that Janaza (funeral) prayers for Mrs. Hajara Alabelewe will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Ansarul Islam Juma’at Mosque, located in the Abakpa area near Lugard Roundabout in Kaduna. The Janaza prayer, a significant Islamic rite, will provide an opportunity for the community to come together to honor her memory and pray for her soul. The family has invited friends, colleagues, and well-wishers to join them in bidding farewell to their beloved wife, mother, and friend.
The choice of Ansarul Islam Juma’at Mosque as the venue for the funeral prayers reflects the family’s deep-rooted faith and connection to the Muslim community in Kaduna. The mosque, a prominent place of worship in the city, is expected to see a large turnout of mourners, including members of the NUJ, DSS personnel, and residents of Kaduna who wish to pay their respects.
The NUJ Kaduna State Council is expected to issue a formal statement in the coming hours, expressing condolences and outlining plans to honor Mrs. Alabelewe’s memory. Journalists across the state have already begun sharing messages of sympathy, with many highlighting the chairman’s dedication to his work despite personal challenges. The NUJ community, known for its close-knit bonds, is rallying around Alhaji Alabelewe to offer support during this period of grief.
Malaria: A Persistent Public Health Challenge
The cause of Mrs. Alabelewe’s death—malaria—has reignited discussions about the ongoing threat of the disease in Nigeria. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare and preventive measures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounts for a significant portion of global malaria cases, with millions of infections reported annually.
The disease, transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, can be particularly dangerous if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue can escalate rapidly, leading to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations. Mrs. Alabelewe’s death serves as a somber reminder of the need for sustained efforts to combat malaria through improved healthcare infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and access to preventive tools like insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial drugs.
Health experts in Kaduna have called for increased investment in malaria prevention and treatment programs, particularly in urban areas like Kaduna, where population density can exacerbate the spread of the disease. “Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, yet it continues to claim lives,” said Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim, a public health specialist in Kaduna. “We need to strengthen our healthcare systems and ensure that people have access to timely medical care.”
A Community in Mourning
The death of Mrs. Hajara Alabelewe has cast a pall over Kaduna, a city already grappling with security and economic challenges. Her passing is a personal tragedy for her family and a loss for the broader community, which valued her contributions both as a professional and as a compassionate individual. The outpouring of grief reflects the deep impact she had on those around her, even in her quiet and unassuming way.
As the Alabelewe family prepares for the Janaza prayers, the people of Kaduna are coming together to offer their support and prayers. The Islamic invocation, “May her soul rest in Aljannah Firdaus,” has been echoed widely, expressing the collective hope that Mrs. Alabelewe finds eternal peace in paradise.
Moving Forward: Honoring Her Legacy
In the wake of this tragedy, there is an opportunity for the community to honor Mrs. Alabelewe’s memory by reflecting on her life of service and compassion. Her dedication to her work with the DSS and her support for her husband’s leadership in the NUJ serve as an inspiration for others to contribute meaningfully to their communities. The NUJ, in particular, may consider initiatives to commemorate her legacy, such as scholarships or awards in her name to support aspiring journalists or community service projects.
For Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, the loss of his wife is a deeply personal blow, but his role as a leader in the NUJ and the wider Kaduna community will likely see him continue to serve with resilience and dedication. The support of his colleagues, friends, and the public will be crucial as he navigates this period of grief.
As Kaduna bids farewell to Mrs. Hajara Alabelewe, the city is reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of unity in the face of loss. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her contributions to her family, profession, and community will not be forgotten.
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