By Ahmed Ajikobi
Muslims have been implored to invest in the media industry by setting up radio, television and newspaper houses to advance the course of Islam and humanity.
The Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, gave the charge at the weekend in Osogbo during the inauguration of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG)at the Banquet Hall, Government House.
Speaking at the event, Aregbesola who was represented by a prominent cleric in the state, Maruf Ishola charged the BoT to support the developmental programmes of the group.
He however appreciated MMWG for promoting Islam even as he enjoined journalists to investigate properly any information available to them before publishing to avoid defamation of character.
Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar who was represented by Chief Sakariyau Olayinka Babalola urged the group to correct the erroneous impression the public has about Muslims.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of MMWG, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi stated that the Nigerian media has not been fair to Muslims in its reportage.
“Some media houses coin their news to favour certain religion or ethnic group of interest.”
According to him, if Muslims invest in the media industry, they will carry out their duties equitably by reporting, correctly, objectively and promptly.
The National Coordinator who also doubles as the Secretary of the BoT similarly urged Muslim parents to regard Islamic education as the first education to be given to their wards.
“In the olden days, children from the age of two were consistently sent to local Arabic Schools that gave them opportunity to learn Quran and read the holy book.
“By the time the children finished their primary school, they will proceed to advance Islamic school to learn the meaning of the Holy Quran.”
He added that Muslims may consider western education as the combination with Islamic education will make Muslim children to understand and appreciate the religion more.
“Now Christians are coming to Islam because they have read Quranic scripture and know the value of Islam, they are aware Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and Prophet Issa (Jesus Christ) served the same God. They both preach the message of God. Whoever now turns around the message of worshiping any of these prophets is a liar and such person does not belief in God because none of those prophets claimed to be God.”
Abdullahi however urged clerics to abhor praise singing while on air or any other platforms.
He said the aim and objective of MMWG is promote quality broadcast in media organisations all over the country and to encourage justice and equity in reportage of religious programmes in both print and electronic media.
Speaking to one of the BoT members and former Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali expressed his delight about the opportunity to serve humanity.
He said more Muslim youths will be encouraged to study journalism in universities across the country. The BoT members are Barr. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN) as Chairman, Minister for Communication, Adebayo Shittu, Mohammed Haruna, Prof. Obini Ekpe and Prof. Saadiya Omar Bello. Among dignitaries present were, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede and former NAHCON boss, Alh. Liad Tella.
