The Journalists International Forum for Migration, JIFORM, has mourned the passing away of former Ghana President, Jerry Rawlings describing him as a great liberator and one of the greatest pan-Africanists who ever lived.

The media foundation with over 250 journalists covering migration across the world also expressed condolences to the people of Nigeria over the death of former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

President of JIFORM, Ajibola Abayomi, in a statement said Jerry left his footprint on the sands of time as a game changer in Ghana.

He explained that during his lifetime he spoke against the enslavement of Africans on several occasions through irregular migration.

“Regrettable JIFORM missed not meeting in person in Ghana having set up meeting to engage him January 2021 in Ghana during a proposed African media summit on migration. It is not how far for Jerry, but we can attest to how well he had served his people. Our prayers are with his family, Ghana and entire Africa at large”. He said.

JIFORM President also acknowledged the late Balarabe buried as an icon of progress and a nation builder, stating that both him and Rawlings were fallen heroes. 

“Balarabe was a man that stood for the common good of the society. He was committed to a united Nigeria beyond the rhetoric of others who played politics of tribalism and destruction.”

“Balarabe was a journalists’ delight that would never shy away from attending to media issues at any hour of the day” Ajibola added.

Adedayo Adelowo