Muslim Media Watch Group marks Islamic New Year, calls for technology-driven security measures, anti-corruption reforms
By KEMI KASUMU
According to the statement, the migration became necessary after the oppression of the early Muslim community intensified, prompting divine permission for the Prophet to relocate to Madinah, where the foundations of a just and organized society were established.
As Muslims across Nigeria and the world usher in the Islamic New Year 1448 AH, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has called on the Federal and State Governments to adopt advanced technology-driven strategies to tackle the growing challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.
The call was made in a statement issued to commemorate the commencement of the new Islamic calendar year, which began on 1 Muharram 1448 AH. The Islamic New Year marks the anniversary of the Hijrah, the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah, a landmark event in Islamic history that signifies perseverance, faith, sacrifice, and the triumph of justice over oppression.
In the statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator of the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullai, and the National Secretary, Dr. Nasir Balogun, the organization reflected on the significance of the Hijrah and urged leaders at all levels to draw lessons from the event in addressing Nigeria’s contemporary challenges.
The group explained that the Hijrah commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah following years of persecution, discrimination, and hostility by idol worshippers who opposed the message of Islam. According to the statement, the migration became necessary after the oppression of the early Muslim community intensified, prompting divine permission for the Prophet to relocate to Madinah, where the foundations of a just and organized society were established.
The organization noted that since 1980, Muslims in Nigeria have traditionally marked the commencement of the Islamic New Year through mass rallies, public lectures, and parades involving Muslim students and children from various educational institutions across the country.
Addressing the country’s security situation, the group expressed concern over the persistent threats posed by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, describing the current level of insecurity as alarming. It urged governments at all levels to deploy modern technology and intelligence-gathering tools to strengthen security operations and improve responses to criminal activities.
According to the group, Nigeria should leverage its international partnerships and diplomatic relationships to access advanced security technologies and expertise capable of addressing the country’s security challenges. It warned that continued insecurity poses a serious threat to national development, democratic stability, and the welfare of citizens.
The organization also linked the country’s security challenges to widespread corruption, arguing that weak legal frameworks and inadequate enforcement mechanisms have contributed significantly to poverty, unemployment, injustice, and social inequality.
It maintained that corruption remains one of the major drivers of insecurity and called for stronger legislation to deter economic crimes and promote accountability in public service.
As part of its recommendations, the group advocated a comprehensive review of the remuneration and welfare packages of members of the National Assembly. It also renewed its call for tougher measures against economic crimes, including the establishment of clear benchmarks for bailable offences and the abolition of plea bargaining in corruption-related cases.
The group argued that individuals found guilty of looting public funds should face strict legal consequences regardless of their status or position, stressing that lenient treatment of corruption cases has encouraged impunity and weakened public confidence in the justice system.
While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity, the organization urged governments across the federation to ensure the timely release of approved budgetary allocations for security institutions. It stated that adequate funding, modern equipment, and continuous capacity-building are essential for effective security operations.
The Muslim Media Watch Group further called on religious leaders and citizens to complement government efforts through prayers, spiritual devotion, and moral guidance. It expressed hope that national leaders would embrace practical solutions aimed at addressing corruption and insecurity and pursue them with determination and sincerity.
The organization concluded that the lessons of Hijrah remain relevant to contemporary Nigeria, emphasizing that faith, sacrifice, justice, accountability, and collective responsibility are necessary ingredients for building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation.
Source: Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG)
