NTA International’s pioneer Europe Correspondent passes away

Passages

By ‘Femi Okutubo

Frontline broadcaster and pioneer Nigeria Television Authority (NTA International) Correspondent in Europe – Hajiya Hauwa Yusuf Funtua, has passed away after a very brief illness.

In an official announcement by the Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom (CANUK), she died on Thursday 26th June in London.

The CANUK release described her as “an active member of the recent CANUK Electoral Committee, contributing her time and wisdom to support transparent and credible elections within our community.”

She served in various capacities with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA National and International) from 1996, and even when she left the employment of NTA a few years ago, continued to work as a Consultant to the organisation till her demise.

The seasoned Journalist, Script Writer, Camera Operator and Film Editor covered International Conferences, Summits, Seminars and World Travel Markets. She was on the international scene on various occasions with reputable journalists like: Christiane Amanpour of CNN, Riz Khan of Al Jazeera, Laura of BBC, Benedicte Pivot of France 24 and the late Terry Lloyd of ITN, amongst many others.

Hajiya Hauwa Yusuf Funtua was a member of the Foreign Press Association, Commonwealth Club and London Union of Journalists.

She was a strong believer in the empowerment of women, and bringing opportunity to deserving youths in the Nigerian society. She was the President of the Arewa Women’s League (UK) till her demise.

She was an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria – Nigeria (BA – Nigeria & African Languages), University of Jos – Nigeria, (MA – Languages and Linguistics), London School of Journalism UK, (PGD – General Journalism), Kensington College London, South Thames College London (Certificate in Scripting for TV), and the Nigeria Television College – Jos (Diploma in News Writing).

Until her death, she headed Yarism Limited - a Film and Television Production Company in Nigeria. She was also the Media Adviser and a Mentor to Studio67 Academy UK and Nigeria.

A member of the Association of Nigerian Journalists in the UK, she was also the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Muslim Forum (UK).

Hajiya Hauwa Yusuf Funtua bagged a GAB Award for Excellence in Media at the 26th Annual Gathering of Africa's Best (GAB) Awards held in London in December 2024.

Burial Arrangements

Saturday, 28th June 2025:

Viewing

11am – 1pm at East London Mosque - Maryam Centre. 45 Fieldgate Street, London E1 1JU.

Salatul Janazah (Funeral Prayer)

After Zuhr Prayer (1.30pm) at East London Mosque - Maryam Centre. 45 Fieldgate Street, London E1 1JU.

Burial

3pm at Gardens of Peace. Colchester Road, RM3 0NZ