Communique at end of Muslim Media Watch Group National Conference

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A THREE-DAY NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE MUSLIM MEDIA WATCH GROUP OF NIGERIA HELD FROM FRIDAY, 12TH – SUNDAY, 14TH MAY, 2023 (EQUIVALENT TO YAWMUL JUM’AH, 22ND – YAWMUL AHAD, 24TH SHAWWĀL, 1444A.H) IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

The conference, which had the theme “Redefining the Media Space for Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Prosperity,” was held at the FOMWAN Secretariat Hall in Ilorin. The venue is located opposite Shoprite in Fate, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Delegates from various parts of the country attended the event.

The opening ceremony of the conference was graced by several dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, who was represented by S. A. Religion (Islamic Affairs), Sheikh Ibrahim Zubair Danmaigoro Al-Adaby. Also in attendance was the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, who was represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Usman Abubakar Jos. Additionally, other notable community and religious leaders from around the country were present.

Dr. Abdul-Rauf Wale Babalakin, SAN, chaired the occasion, and the guest speaker was Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, the Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University in Kwara State.

Following the three-day conference, which included interactive sessions among delegates, conference officials, guests, and representatives of various media houses, the following resolutions were adopted:

1. The conference identified that certain segments of the media were impeding the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission and the Nigeria Press Council’s efforts to regulate media practices in Nigeria. The delegates urged the regulatory bodies to fulfill their statutory duties and be more proactive in safeguarding journalism practice. They called for stakeholder engagement, education of media practitioners and the public, and the promotion of collaboration between media regulators and media houses to establish an independent monitoring mechanism.

2. During the conference, it was noted that misinformation and the negative use of media have caused significant damage to the cohesion and unity of Nigeria. As a result, delegates implored Nigerians, particularly the nation’s leaders, to refrain from exacerbating the country’s numerous challenges by spreading misinformation, misrepresentation, and disinformation through the media.

3. The conference cautioned media houses against excessively commercializing religious programs under the pretext of revenue generation, as this practice can undermine the patriotic values of the media.

4. The conference acknowledged the peaceful conduct and successful outcome of the last general elections, which resulted in the election of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President-elect, along with other elected officials at both national and state levels. The conference commended the electoral umpire for its dedication, resilience, and perseverance in ensuring that the polls were internationally recognized. However, the conference also appealed to political leaders, particularly the aggrieved contestants, to respect the rule of law and avoid taking matters into their own hands by making inflammatory remarks or inciting their followers against the interests and patriotic values of the nation.

5. Muslims who are well-to-do and philanthropic individuals were identified as critical stakeholders in nation-building, and they were urged to take an interest in enlightening, educating, and developing the citizenry. They were encouraged to establish media houses that are devoted to promoting, propagating, and sustaining patriotic values, including unity and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups and tribes in the country.

6. The conference expressed concern over the ongoing insecurity in the country, which poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s continued corporate existence and survival as a nation. Delegates called on all three tiers of government, particularly the central government, to take a more proactive approach in ensuring the safety of lives and property, as well as the welfare of citizens.

7. The conference noted the recent increase in hazards and harassment faced by journalists and media practitioners in the course of carrying out their duties. As a result, the conference urged media owners, both in government and the private sector, to establish a comprehensive welfare package, which includes insurance policies and security measures for journalists and media practitioners. This would help to enhance their commitment and dedication to their work.

8. The delegates at the conference recognized the challenges faced by citizens and businesses resulting from the recent monetary policy or currency swap. While acknowledging that the policy was well-intentioned, it failed to achieve its goals due to inadequate availability of new notes. The conference called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, as the “Bankers’ bank”, to expedite the production and distribution of new notes to support a more robust and thriving economy.

APPRECIATION:

The conference delegates expressed their appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, for his hospitality and support towards the success of the conference. They also thanked notable Muslim stakeholders, such as Dr. Abdul-Rauf Wale Babalakin, SAN, Mallam Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali, SAN, and Alhaji (Dr.) Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf for their financial support to the group.
The conference commended the National Coordinator and the Planning Committee for organizing a successful program and encouraged the group to continue its efforts in promoting patriotic values and nation-building. They ended by praying that Allah guides and guards them throughout their endeavors. Amin.

E-signed:
Alh. Ibrahim Abdullahi, FCIPM,
National Coordinator, MMWG

Alh. Kamaldeen Akintunde,
Chairman, Communique Committee and Chairman, MMWG, Ogun State