“If we don’t blow our own trumpet, who will? If we don’t celebrate our own, who else will?” – Rasheed Abubakar, Publisher, Muslim News Nigeria & Convener, #MNAwards
Veteran broadcast journalist and Director of News, NTA, Hajiya Halima Musa (mni, NPOM) has been named the Nigerian Muslim Media Person of the Year 2024/2025, an award organised by Muslim News Nigeria, the country’s most authoritative Islamic newspaper.
The announcement was made on Friday, November 14, 2024, by the Publisher, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar, with endorsement from the National leadership of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) leadership led by its President, Alhaji Abdurrahman Balogun.
Hajiya Musa, a distinguished media executive with over two decades of experience in news production, reporting, and media management within the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and other federal parastatals, was recognised for her outstanding professionalism, contribution to national development and unwavering commitment to Islamic values.
Alhaji Abubakar described the broadcasting icon as a devout Muslimah known for her humility, dedication and upholding Islamic values in both private and professional life, serving as a role model for Muslim women in the media.
While congratulating her on the well-deserved recognition, Alhaji Abubakar noted that Hajiya Musa has consistently mentored younger journalists and media professionals, particularly women by promoting excellence, ethics, and professionalism in journalism.
According to him, “Hajiya Musa is a proven leader with expertise in formulating and implementing news policies, directing large-scale media operations, and providing strategic public relations support at the highest levels of government.”
Also speaking, Alhaji Balogun said Hajiya Musa is a committed and exemplary Muslim professional who has consistently upheld Islamic values throughout her career.
“Hajiya Halima Musa has always represented Islam wholeheartedly, both in character and appearance. She is a complete Muslimah who openly identifies with her faith at all times,” he said.
The National President of MMPN noted her pivotal role in the formation and growth of the Muslim community within the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
According to him, “She has been instrumental in establishing key initiatives such as the annual Ramadan lecture and other religious programmes at NTA. Her efforts also contributed significantly to the construction of a modern mosque at the NTA headquarters in Abuja.”
He added that even before assuming her current role as Executive Director of News, Hajiya Musa consistently ensured fair coverage of stories that highlight the progress and achievements of Islam and Muslims.
“She is upright, focused, and committed to professionalism. Allah has placed her in a position of influence, and she is using it effectively to promote Islam and ensure balanced, ethical journalism. We need more media professionals like her,” he noted.
Hajiya Musa brings not only decades of hands-on media experience but also a robust academic and professional training background.
Her academic journey began with a Secondary School Certificate from Government Girls Secondary School, Kabo, Kano in 1986, followed by an IJMBE certificate from the College of Arts, Science & Remedial Studies, Kano in 1988. She later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano in 1991, where she graduated as the best student.
In 2022, she earned a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), further enhancing her skills in strategic communication and conflict-sensitive reporting.
That same year, she completed the Senior Executive Course 44 at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru — a programme aimed at grooming Nigeria’s top policy-makers and public service leaders.
Between 2016 and 2018, Hajiya Musa served as Special Assistant, Media to the Federal Commissioner at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), where she developed media strategies and managed press engagements related to humanitarian issues.
She returned to NTA where she had built her career, and from 2019 to 2021, she served as Acting Director of News, maintaining the station’s reputation for journalistic excellence. Her capacity was formally confirmed in January 2022, when she became the substantive Director of News.
In this role, she leads the entire News Directorate, overseeing the implementation of editorial policies and ensuring ethical and timely news broadcasts across the NTA network.
#MNAwards, short for Muslim News Nigeria Awards, honours Muslim achievers who have excelled in their fields and brought pride to the Muslim community both locally and globally.
Past recipients of the Nigerian media category include veteran journalist Femi Abbas, awarded in 2021 for over four decades of consistent Islamic media analysis; and in 2023, The Guardian’s Weekend Editor, Alhaji Kabir Garba, alongside MMPN President, Alhaji Abdurrahman Balogun, were recognised for their impactful media advocacy, especially in defending the rights of Muslim women on the Hijab issue.
The formal presentation of the award will take place at a yet‑to‑be‑announced date during the newspaper’s 7th anniversary lecture.
Finalists for Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year (#MNAwards20242025)
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