The National President of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun (ARAB), has urged Muslim journalists and media professionals across the country to embrace truth-driven and ethical journalism as a pathway to national development and peaceful coexistence.
Balogun made the call while delivering a lecture at the Ashura Hijrah Lecture organised by the Ondo State Chapter of MMPN on Thursday, June 25, 2026, to mark the Islamic New Year 1448AH.
Speaking on the significance of Hijrah, the MMPN President described the migration of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) from Makkah to Madinah as more than a physical movement, noting that it represented a strategic, spiritual and systemic transformation from persecution to peace and from division to unity.
According to him, the lessons of Hijrah remain relevant to contemporary society, particularly for media practitioners who have a responsibility to promote truth, justice and social harmony.
“For us as Muslim media professionals, the essence of Hijrah offers a powerful blueprint. It demands our own migration—a conscious shift from conventional, passive reporting to purposeful, truth-driven journalism that uplifts our communities and promotes national cohesion,” he said.
Balogun observed that Nigeria is currently facing numerous socio-economic challenges, political uncertainties and the growing menace of misinformation, stressing that journalists must rise above sensationalism, fake news and divisive narratives.
He urged media practitioners to uphold the Islamic values of truthfulness (As-Siddiq), trustworthiness (Al-Amanah) and justice in their professional engagements, regardless of religious, ethnic or political considerations.
The MMPN President described the lecture theme, “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathway Amidst Hostilities, What Are Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria,” as timely and appropriate, noting that it resonates with the need for peace-building and constructive engagement in the country.
Balogun also renewed MMPN’s longstanding call on the Federal Government to declare Muharram 1 a public holiday, arguing that such recognition would promote fairness, justice and equality among adherents of different faiths.
“Year after year, MMPN has consistently demanded a public holiday for Muharram 1 in the spirit of fairness and equal treatment, just as January 1 is observed nationally,” he stated.
He commended the Ondo State Chapter of MMPN for its commitment to promoting Islamic values, fostering religious harmony and maintaining professionalism within the media industry.
The MMPN President described members of the chapter as worthy ambassadors of Islam in the media space and encouraged them to continue advocating good governance, social justice and peaceful coexistence through their various platforms.
He further called on journalists to use their pens, microphones and digital tools as instruments for societal transformation and national unity.
Balogun concluded by praying for peace, security and prosperity for Nigeria, while wishing Muslims a rewarding and spiritually fulfilling Islamic New Year.
The event formed part of activities marking the Ashura and Hijrah 1448AH celebrations in Ondo State.
