Kaduna Journalism Community Mourns Terms Magazine Publisher, Jafar Yakubu Maitama

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The journalism community in Kaduna State has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Publisher of Terms Magazine, Mallam Jafar Yakubu Maitama.

Maitama 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 for responsible journalism.

The Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Gambo Santos Kakaki Ninzo, announced the death and described the deceased as a close friend and colleague.

“We have lost a brother and a friend. Jafar was one of us who believed in telling stories that matter. His passing is a huge loss to journalism in Kaduna,” Kakaki Ninzo said.

The Chairman of the NUJ Kaduna State Council, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, also led a delegation to the deceased’s family to offer condolences.

Alabelewe described Maitama as a humble and hardworking journalist who made significant contributions to the media industry through Terms Magazine.

“Mallam Jafar was calm, respectful, and hardworking. He used his platform, Terms Magazine, to raise issues affecting the common person. We will miss his contributions to the development of journalism in this state,” the NUJ chairman said.

In his tribute, Kaduna State official Mallam Balarabe Junaidu described the late publisher as a quiet achiever who believed in the media as a tool for education, public awareness and advocacy.

Another colleague, Babagida Kakaki, said Maitama was not a loud person but allowed his work to speak for him.

“Through Terms Magazine, he gave voice to the voiceless and documented stories that many overlooked,” Kakaki said.

Colleagues also recalled Maitama’s passion for magazine journalism, noting that he used Terms Magazine to promote issues relating to culture, governance and human-interest stories across Northern Nigeria.

“He believed journalism should not only report events but also shape society. That was the spirit he brought into Terms Magazine,” a colleague said.

The deceased was buried at Bachama Cemetery in Kaduna following funeral prayers led by Mallam Abdulkarim Hashinu Bindawa, Chief Imam of Tudun Wada Central Mosque.

Family members, friends and a large gathering of journalists attended the funeral to pay their last respects to the late media publisher.

At the graveside, speakers described Maitama as a man of integrity who was devoted to his family, profession and community.

One of the mourners prayed for the repose of his soul, saying, “Today, we have lost a publisher, but his legacy in journalism will continue to speak. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”