On the left is Hajiya Yusuf, the right Professor Tijani who also lost his life in the stampede
The first female editor from Northern Nigeria, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf and Professor Tijjani are among the 717 persons confirmed dead in the Saudi Hajj stampede.
Hajiya Yusuf was a journalist by profession and a political scientist by training. She received a B.Sc. in political science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and an M.A. in political science from the University of Wisconsin, USA.
She studied journalism at the Moscow Institute for Journalism and International Relations and earned an advanced diploma in journalism and international relations.
Her previous work experience includes working in the Ministry of Information, Kano; editor of Sunday Triumph, Kano; editor of New Nigerian, Kaduna, and editor of Citizen Magazine, Kaduna.
Bilkisu was also a columnist for Daily Trust and LEADERSHIP newspapers. She was a founding member of several NGOs, including Women In Nigeria (WIN), the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and Advocacy Nigeria, where she was the executive director.
She was a consultant and trainer in media, gender and conflict management and peace building. She was on the board of FOMWAN, the Nigerian Interfaith Action Association Against Malaria (NIFAAM), Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON), ABANTU for Development, Vision Trust Foundation, and many others.
