•As Hijrah Islamic Org holds interactive session for Muslim media practitioners

An appeal has gone to Muslim media practitioners across the world to always fact-check their information and ensure accuracy amidst proliferation of fake news, and ensure that their reports do not negate the Islamic ethics of promoting peace and understanding within the human community.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye made the call in Ilorin on Wednesday at the maiden Muslim Media Executives and Gatekeepers/Journalists' Engagement, an event that sought to proffer solutions to issues of media reportage and the challenges of new media for the Muslim community.

The programme was organised by the Hijrah Islamic Organization of Nigeria, Kwara State branch; it attracted eminent personalities, media executives, and practitioners who are Muslims from across different media organizations in the state.

Ajakaye spoke on the theme “Confronting the challenges of modern media by Muslims and Associations: role of Muslim media practitioners".

Dignitaries at the event included the Senior Advisor and Counselor to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Saadu Salau; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Alhaji Bashir Adigun; Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam) Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-meigoro; Chairman, Hijrah Islamic Organisation, Prof Badmus Lanre Yusuf; National Coordinator of Muslim Media Watch Group, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi; Chairman, National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ) in Kwara State, Alhaji Tunde Akanbi; Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners in Nigeria, (MMPN), Dr Abdulrazaq Laaro, Kwara State FOMWAN Amirah, Alhaja Nimata Labaika; Alhaja Balikis Oladimeji; Muslim media practitioners across media organizations in the state; among others.

Ajakaye, who keynoted the session, said misinformation now spreads like wildfire, and implored Muslim media reporters to take accuracy and fairness as their guiding principles, adding that such will reflect the true nature of Islam as contained in the Qur'an and Hadith (actions and sayings of the Prophet).

"Accuracy must be our guiding principle. In an era of rapid information flow, misinformation can spread like wildfire. Muslim media practitioners must be diligent in verifying information and presenting a balanced perspective, situated within the core mandate of Islam, which is the promotion of peace and understanding within the human community. Our commitment to truth is a powerful antidote to the proliferation of fake news,” he said.

"Representation matters. As media practitioners, we have the ability to shape the narratives that influence public opinion. By ensuring fair and accurate representation, we contribute to a media landscape that reflects the true diversity of the Muslim experience."

He stressed the need to raise a generation of Muslims who truly understand Islam and are also knowledgeable and conscious of their roles as positive change agents.

"From social media platforms to traditional outlets, the Muslim community finds itself at the intersection of information dissemination and perception shaping. Challenges arise in the form of misrepresentation, stereotyping, and the amplification of divisive narratives," he said.

"Yet, within these challenges lies the undeniable power of Muslim media practitioners. Our role is pivotal in reshaping narratives, fostering understanding, and promoting a more inclusive media environment, one that is anchored on the pure teachings of Islam, not biased against other people or any sub-community within the ummah itself. As guardians of truth and advocates for authenticity, we have the responsibility to contribute positively to the global discourse.

"Unity in goodness and the understanding of our purpose as Muslims is our strength, and it is imperative that our voices are heard, coherent, and amplified. By showcasing the rich tapestry of Muslim experiences, we can counteract stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of our diverse communities."

The challenges posed by modern media are formidable, but so is our ability or ingenuity to address them, the CPS said.

“As Muslim media practitioners, we are not merely observers; we are architects of change. Let us embrace our role with conviction, resilience, and a commitment to fostering a media environment that promotes understanding, unity, and respect. Let us do so in a way that stands us out as Muslims. Let us do so in a way that makes people to have positive views and understanding of Islam."

Ajakaye urged the Muslim community to pay attention to the growing influence of the new media and how digital naturals could quickly frame how issues are seen by millions of people within minutes, calling on Muslims to hone their skills to positively deploy the powers of the new media to foster peace and advance the Islamic agenda for development.

Salau, for his part, said inadequate representation of Muslims in the media industry has been a serious challenge and needed to be tackled headlong, calling all wealthy Muslims to invest more in the industry.

He said that digitalization and commercialization of the media sector have unbundled the media space, and it is a dangerous trend for the propagation of Islam.

He called on Muslim media practitioners not to feel ashamed of their contributions to the cause of Islam and urged them to continue to promote Islamic friendly programmes and activities in their various organisations.

The Special Adviser, who recalled the outstanding contributions of Prof Badmus Lanre Yusuf and Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi to Islamic propagation since early 80s, appreciated the duo for always positioning themselves at the forefront of protecting the interest of Muslims especially in the media industry.

"I call on Muslim intellectuals, our professors, our elder statesmen and women to find a meeting point on the implications of new media, digitalization and globalization by adopting dialogue and coming up with the best approach in the propagation of Islam,” he said.

Prof Yusuf said the programme was aimed at reawakening the consciousness of Islam for the benefit of the Ummah despite the high commercialisation of the industry.

He expressed concern that the Muslim world has been going through a serious moral and spiritual degradation due to wrong exposure of some Muslim faithfuls to social media, calling for an attitudinal change.

Adigun said the programme could not have come at a better time and commended the organizers for taking a bold step.

He said the entertainment industry is another area that influences the youths, and which Muslim investors should also pay attention to.