The Kwara State Chapter of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) on Wednesday, inaugurated its new executive members with a charge to unite Muslim media practitioners and reposition the association for effective service to Islam and the Muslim community.
A statement signed by Muizdeen Adewole Mahmud, Public Relations Officer Kwara MMPN said the new executive, which is expected to serve a three-year tenure, has Mallam Ahmed Ajiboye of the State Information Chapel as Chairman, Mallam Abdulrosheed Okiki of Radio Kwara as Vice Chairman, Moshood Zarumi of The Herald Newspapers as Secretary, Imam Muhibudeen Yusuf of Radio Kwara as Missioner, Hauwau Alimi-Makama of Radio Kwara as Treasurer and Furera Muhammad of Sobi FM as Financial Secretary.
Muizdeen Adewole Mahmud of the University of Ilorin will serve as Public Relations Officer, while Dr. AbdulRazaq Laro Yusuf of Kwara State University (KWASU) and immediate past Chairman of the chapter, Mallam Ali Muhammad Rabiu of the Correspondents’ Chapel and Muslimah Abubakar of the Kwara State Television Authority were appointed as Ex-Officio members to provide continuity, institutional guidance and support.
The brief ceremony, held at the association’s secretariat, Retired Hon. Justice Abdulkadir Orire Mosque, GRA, Ilorin, also featured the unveiling of MMPN representatives across various media houses in the state as part of efforts to broaden the chapter’s membership, strengthen its structure and extend its activities to all media-related establishments.
Speaking at the occasion, the North Central Coordinator of the association and Chairman of the Shuurah Committee, Mallam Mustafa Abubakar of the University of Ilorin, said MMPN has “one agenda — Islam,” urging members to renew their intentions and discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, fear of Allah and commitment to the Muslim Ummah.
Mallam Mustafa said the Shuurah process was aimed at providing a fresh beginning for the association, stressing that those entrusted with leadership should see their positions as a trust and a call to service rather than an avenue for personal recognition.
“This is a call to serve rather than an avenue for personal recognition. You must place the interest of Islam and the association above personal, professional or other considerations. Do not bring internal disputes or challenges arising from other professional unions into the affairs of MMPN,” he advised.
He urged the newly inaugurated media house representatives to reach out to Muslim practitioners in other organisations, noting that MMPN was established to bring together Muslims working across television, radio, newspapers, online platforms and other media establishments.
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According to him, the expanded representation would strengthen the association, promote unity and enable it to respond more effectively to issues affecting Islam and the Muslim community.
Mallam Mustafa recalled that MMPN has existed for over four decades as a registered national organisation with its headquarters in Abuja and structures across the country, adding that the Kwara chapter has a responsibility to strengthen its presence and relevance.
He paid tribute to past fathers and mentors, particularly Sheikh Muhammad Kamaldeen Al-Adabiy, Justice Abdulkadir Orire and Prof. Lanre Badmas Yusuf, for their sacrifices and efforts which helped MMPN to secure recognition among Muslim stakeholders in the state.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Balogun, and other members of the National Executive Council towards the growth, unity and development of the association.
In his remarks, an elder of the association and Regional Editor of Leadership Newspapers, Alhaji Abdullahi Olesin, stressed that Islam must remain the overriding concern of the association.
“I want to urge the new executive and members to avoid sentiments and personal interests and remain committed to serving Allah and the Muslim community. See Islam as your main agenda as you begin to lead the association. Let us prioritise unity and work for the growth of Islam,” he said.
He emphasised that MMPN should stay focused on its Islamic mission and not be distracted by matters outside its mandate.
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Also speaking, Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba of Channels Television called for stronger professional cooperation among Muslim media practitioners and urged members to use their platforms responsibly to promote accurate information, constructive public discourse and a positive image of Islam and Muslims.
He advocated regular meetings and effective use of digital platforms, including WhatsApp, to keep members connected and encourage wider participation despite their busy schedules.