In the past twenty four hours, following the tragic suicide bombing at a bustling mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, and the biased media coverage that ensued from it, conversations got reignited across Nigeria and within the Muslim community. At the heart of these discussions is a familiar yet urgent demand: the need for strong, credible Muslim-owned media to tell the stories of Islam and Muslims with accuracy, balance and integrity.
While the call is commended and laudable, it’s pertinent to note that this is not a new call. It is one that some of us responded to years ago. Similar call led to the birth of Muslim News Nigeria, a specialised media, founded with the aim of reporting Islam and celebrating Muslim achievers. The platform (online and print) has grown to become a household name in Nigeria and beyond. It has given voice to narratives, often ignored or distorted by the mainstream media, offering an alternative lens on issues affecting Muslims, both locally and globally.
Despite its modest success, the demand far outweighs the supply. There is still a huge void to fill. What we need now, more than ever before, are more robust, professional and mainstream Muslim owned media platforms. Those that will not only speak for Islam and Muslims, but do so consistently, responsibly and excellently.
But, one critical question must be asked: For the few media currently owned, including Muslim News in Nigeria, how much support do they actually receive from individuals and the broader Ummah?
It’s important to note that the media industry goes beyond feesabilillah, which is quite common among the Muslims and Islamic organisations. It is a multi-billion naira enterprise. One can invest millions in it without any profit, yet keep pushing with passion and resilience, as long as it’s serving the purpose of its owner. There were powerful media that once held sway in this country, with huge financial backing but are no longer existing today! This is to tell us how capital intensive the media business is. Hence, are Muslims, particularly the wealthy ones, truly ready for this kind of long-term commitment?
What about the existing ones, though they may be few? How much genuine support are they receiving from the community they represent?
Beyond financial contributions, which are undoubtedly important, small but consistent positive acts like sharing contents, liking posts, following social media pages, subscription, sponsorship, or simply recommending these outlets to others can make a huge difference. These seemingly little efforts help sustain the few media platforms that are actively and proudly telling the Muslim story with accuracy and dignity.
Take, for instance, the Muslim News Nigeria’s signature initiative, the #MNAwards. It is a project that celebrates the achievements of Muslim personalities across various fields. The initiative has gained recognition globally and is being embraced in many Muslim countries as a noble representation of the Ummah.
Imagine if a similar initiative were spearheaded by one of Nigeria’s major mainstream media houses. The enthusiasm from the Muslim community would likely be overwhelming. The pictures of awardees would be shared widely across social media platforms, and some would even sponsor goodwill messages or congratulatory adverts in those outlets.
This is a gentle reminder that our own platforms and initiatives also deserve that same energy, support, and visibility. When we value and uplift our own narrative through our own media, we strengthen the voice of the Ummah. Supporting efforts like the #MNAwards is not just about recognition; it’s about building a legacy that reflects and protects our identity, values, and contributions.
As Muslim News Nigeria prepares to organise the Award ceremony for the MNAwards 2024/2025 winners, alongside its seventh anniversary lecture on “Reporting Islam” aimed at addressing the persistent media bias in Nigeria, the question remains: in what ways are we ready to support this important project? The time to act is now. The responsibility lies with us all. For support or inquiries, call +2348052404597, email muslimnewsng@gmail.com, or make a donation to: Account Name: Rawshield PR Company, Bank: GTBank 0568624004
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