The Guardians of Ahmed Salami have recorded a significant milestone in preserving and honouring the legacy of the late Rafat Salami, the devoted mother of Nigerian vlogger Ahmed Salami, who passed away on December 20, 2024.
Ahead of her first anniversary, the group has successfully mobilised over ₦5.5 million, opened the Ahmed Salami Trust Fund with Fidelity Bank, and formally handed over the bank statement to Jameel Salami, Ahmed’s elder brother and current caregiver.
Ahmed, who lives in Abuja and is one of the deceased’s children, is a person living with autism, cerebral palsy and ADHD.
He is a confirmed signatory to the Trust Fund (Account No. 5601613076), alongside Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams; and Mr. Francis Oko Mohie, Secretary.
The total sum transferred into the account stands at ₦5,528,105.43, raised through voluntary and selfless contributions, including ₦3,472,436.70 from Ms. Lara Owoeye-Wise, Coordinator of the Guardians of Ahmed, and ₦2,055,668.73 from Mrs. Daisy Jonathan, Coordinator of Warrior Mums Africa.
At a brief ceremony chaired by Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Acting Director of the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Ahmed Salami Trust Fund, the Fidelity Bank statement of account was formally presented to Jameel Salami.
Dr. Ahmadu was supported at the event by Evelyn Mensah Agu, Executive Director of Patsilver Educational Support and Therapy Centre; Mrs. Rabi Usman Awobajo, Founder of Natural Care Therapeutic Services, Abuja; and Dr. Habiba Usman Aliyu, a Lecturer at the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.
Others in attendance included Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Deputy News Editor of The Sun Newspapers, as well as Fidelity Bank representatives, Abigail Udume and Loveth Ossai.
Jameel Salami received the statement with deep appreciation, commending the team, friends, and colleagues of his late mother for their transparency, dedication, and steadfast commitment to preserving and honouring her memory.
He said, “I trust this group of people, you haven’t been doing this for a year but see what you’ve done, so I don’t want anyone saying that things are happening that are not happening, so I can definitely offer a statement to (allay) people’s fears.”
Dr. Jumai Ahmadu appreciated all involved for their selfless sacrifices in raising the funds and opening the trust fund.
She specifically commended Jameel and the family: “for not dropping the ball in caring for Ahmed and prayed that God gives him the wisdom and enablement to be as sacrificial as his late mother, who was selfless despite facing challenges of her own. “I’m really impressed with what I am seeing and with what I have heard.
Deputy News Editor at The Sun Newspaper, Mrs Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye who is also a key Guardian emphasised the core purpose of the meeting,
“Rafat was a dear friend to all of us and I’m happy she’s being honoured this way. She lived an impactful life.
“The meeting was about transparency—especially since it has taken so long to set up the trust fund. This is to clear all doubts for those who were already questioning whether we would carry out our promise,” she added.
Jameel also provided an update on Ahmed, noting that he is coping steadily with the loss, remains keen to return to vlogging, and continues to receive stable and adequate caregiving support.
Donations are now welcomed directly to: Ahmed Salami Trust Fund, Fidelity Bank, Account No. 5601613076. Friends, colleagues are encouraged to donate at least ₦12,000 annually to the account to sustain Ahmed’s needs.