* Says faith based platforms are crucial to correcting distorted narratives about Islam and Muslims
The President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, has called on Muslims to strengthen unity, deepen institutional collaboration, and provide sustainable support for Muslim-owned media organisations to ensure they continue to project the true image of Islam and the achievements of the Muslim community.
Oladejo made the call while speaking as Chairman of the occasion at the 7th Anniversary Lecture and MNAwards Presentation organised by Muslim News Nigeria on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Olanike Hall, Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque, First Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event, themed “Framing the Faith in the Midst of Media Misrepresentation and Global Conflicts,” brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, public officials, media practitioners, captains of industry, and members of the Muslim Ummah.
It also featured the presentation of awards to winners of the Global and Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2025 (MNAwards), as well as the 30 Muslim Women of Substance Awards, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development of the Muslim community and society at large.
The MUSWEN President commended the faith-based newspaper for sustaining seven years of quality and professional journalism, describing the feat as remarkable in Nigeria’s challenging media environment.
“We gather here to celebrate two major milestones: the seventh anniversary of Muslim News Nigeria and the Muslim News Awards Presentation. Seven years of consistent, high quality and unbiased journalism is no small feat in a media landscape as challenging as ours,” he said.
Alhaji Oladejo noted that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and narratives, lamenting that Islam and Muslims have often been subjected to stereotypes, sensationalism, and misrepresentation both in Nigeria and globally.
According to him, the emergence of Muslim News Nigeria has helped to bridge that gap by providing a credible platform for telling Muslim stories, correcting misconceptions, and highlighting the positive contributions of Islam to society.
“For decades, the mainstream narrative around Islam and Muslims has often been viewed through a skewed lens. Misrepresentations, stereotypes and sensationalism have frequently overshadowed the immense contributions of Muslims to global development, peace and progress.
“This is why the birth and growth of Muslim News Nigeria are so significant. The platform has provided a reliable voice for the voiceless, corrected misconceptions and consistently highlighted the positive impact of Islamic values,” he said.
The MUSWEN President also congratulated recipients of the Muslim News Awards, describing their recognition as a testament to their dedication, leadership, and contributions to humanity.
He said the awardees exemplify the Islamic principle of Ihsan (excellence) and serve as role models for younger Muslims striving for success in their respective fields.
“Whether in public service, business, academics, philanthropy or community leadership, these individuals have demonstrated that Islamic values are catalysts for societal advancement. Their achievements should inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence,” he added.
Oladejo, however, stressed that Muslim media organisations require more than passion and commitment to survive, urging wealthy individuals, Islamic organisations, and members of the Muslim community to invest in and patronise such platforms.
“Media projects like Muslim News Nigeria cannot survive on passion alone. They require sustainable financial investment, patronage and strategic partnerships from wealthy individuals and Islamic organisations.
“Let us commit today to supporting this platform so it can transition from its current successes into a global media institution,” he said.
“We have a responsibility to challenge distortions about Islam,” says Mumuni
Earlier in his welcome address, the host of the occasion, Alhaji Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, praised the Publisher of Muslim News Nigeria, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar, for his dedication to promoting Islam through journalism.
Alhaji Mumuni, whose speech was read by the Master of Ceremony, recalled his long-standing relationship with the publisher, noting that the idea behind Muslim News Nigeria was conceived from a desire to establish a platform dedicated to projecting the true image of Islam and documenting the achievements of Muslims.
“When the idea of Muslim News Nigeria was conceived in 2018, I wholeheartedly embraced and supported it. Alhamdulillah, today we are witnessing the fruits of that vision,” he said.
According to him, the media organisation has grown into a respected platform for reporting issues affecting Muslims, promoting dialogue and unity, and celebrating the achievements of the Ummah.
The former Lagos governorship candidate also stressed the need to address growing misconceptions about Islam, noting that criminal groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS have contributed to negative perceptions of the religion despite having no basis in Islamic teachings.
“The noble teachings of Islam are often overshadowed by negative narratives, stereotypes and misconceptions. As Muslims, media practitioners and concerned citizens, we have a responsibility to challenge these distortions through knowledge, engagement, professionalism and constructive dialogue,” he said.
Alhaji Mumuni expressed optimism that discussions at the anniversary lecture would generate practical recommendations capable of promoting fairness, balance and responsibility in media representation.
He also congratulated recipients of the Muslim News Awards and urged Muslims to continue supporting Muslim News Nigeria to sustain its mission of documenting the aspirations, achievements and challenges of Muslim communities in Nigeria and beyond.
The anniversary lecture also featured a keynote address delivered by the Executive Chairman of the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Mallam Kamor Disu. Read it HERE. Details of the panel discussion will be published in a separate report.
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Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
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