Family Fixes Dec.18–19, 2025 for Burial of Late veteran Journalist. Iliya Habila
By Ahmed Ahmed
The family of late Hon. Iliya Habila has announced the burial arrangements for the respected journalist, public servant, and political figure who passed away at the age of 58.
In a statement signed by Mr. John Habila Murai on behalf of the family, the burial rites will commence with a wake-keep Mass in honour of the deceased, scheduled to hold on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The service will take place at the Holy Family Catholic Church, located near Devine International School, Rafin Zurfi, Bauchi State.
According to the statement, the remains of late Hon. Habila departed the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, on Friday, December 19, 2025, for a church service at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Rafin Zurfi.
After the church service, the deceased will be conveyed to his country home at Lafiyan Sara, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, where he will be laid to rest.
Late Hon. Iliya Habila died on December 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service in journalism, governance, and public administration.
Before his death, he was a staff member of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), where he contributed significantly to news reporting and information dissemination.
He also served as the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, a position through which he played a key role in advancing the welfare and professionalism of journalists in the state.
In the political arena, the late Hon. Habila was a former Senior Special Assistant to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
He also served his community as the former Caretaker Chairman and later Executive Chairman of Bogoro Local Government Area.
Hon. Iliya Habila is survived by his wife, Mrs. Victoria Dido Iliya, two children, and many relatives, colleagues, and associates who continue to mourn his loss.
