* Says Muslim media are crucial to correcting misrepresentation of Islam
The National President of The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, has called on Nigerian Muslims to provide greater financial and institutional support for Muslim News Nigeria, describing the platform as an essential voice for the Muslim community.
Imam Jimoh made the appeal while speaking at the 7th Anniversary Lecture and MNAwards organised by Muslim News Nigeria, held in Lagos on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The renowned Muslim scholar, who is also the Chief Imam of Lighthouse Mosque, Lekki, commended Muslim News Nigeria for its consistency in promoting balanced reporting and amplifying the voices of Muslims, saying the organisation has become an important platform for correcting misconceptions about Islam and projecting positive stories from the Muslim community.
He said the anniversary theme “Framing the Faith in the Midst of Media Representation and Global Conflicts” resonated deeply with him because Muslims in Nigeria are not only underrepresented in the media but are also frequently misrepresented.
“I am very happy to associate with Muslim News Nigeria. The outfit is doing a wonderful job for us as Muslims, and I pray that we will continue to gather here for decades to celebrate its achievements,” he said.
According to him, Muslim News Nigeria has played a significant role in giving Nigerian Muslims a voice at a time when many positive contributions of Muslims receive little or no media attention.
He observed that mainstream media often overlook positive developments within the Muslim community while giving prominence to stories that portray Muslims negatively.
“We need Muslim News Nigeria. We need media organisations that project the positive things Muslims are doing. We need media platforms that can counter many of the negative narratives we see about Muslims and provide balance in reporting issues concerning Islam,” he said.
The National President of The Companion further criticised selective use of religious identity in news reporting. He noted that when individuals who are Muslims commit crimes, media reports often emphasise their religious identity, whereas similar references are rarely made when offenders belong to other faiths.
“When a Christian commits a crime, you hardly see headlines describing the person as a Christian criminal or Christian terrorist. But when it involves a Muslim, the word ‘Muslim’ often comes first, even when the act has nothing to do with the teachings of Islam,” he said.
He stressed that platforms such as Muslim News Nigeria help to provide balance, context and fairness in reporting issues affecting Muslims.
Imam Jimoh also urged wealthy Muslims, corporate organisations and community leaders to invest in Muslim-owned media through sponsorships, partnerships and financial contributions to ensure their sustainability.
“There are different ways we can support Muslim News. Those whom Allah has blessed with wealth should contribute financially.
Those who can sponsor programmes and publications should do so. That is how we can keep this platform alive and growing,” he said.
Sharing a personal example, the renowned Muslim scholar disclosed that he had previously facilitated the production of thousands of copies of a Muslim News publication for free distribution during the installation of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola.
He explained that he mobilised friends and supporters to sponsor the publication as part of efforts to strengthen the newspaper and expand its reach.
“That is one of the many ways Muslims can keep this outfit going,” he added.
Imam Jimoh concluded by praying for the continued success of Muslim News Nigeria, its Publisher, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar, members of staff and supporters, expressing optimism that the organisation would continue to grow in service to Islam, the Muslim Ummah and the wider Nigerian.
4 Unforgettable Quotes from Imam Nojeem Jimoh at Muslim News Nigeria’s 7th Anniversary Lecture
As conversations continue on the role of faith based media in countering misrepresentation and promoting balanced narratives about Islam and Muslims, the remarks of the National… pic.twitter.com/mSXBnsLLsX
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) July 4, 2026
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