The Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has implored muslim women journalists in the country to change the bad mindset some people have about Islam through their positive reporting as muslim women journalists.
She made the call on Saturday in Ilorin at the maiden edition of Ramadan symposium organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kwara State Chapter.
Abdulrazaq, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, regretted that media has now been commercialized contrary to the reason it came into existence.
“We are in an era where the media has been commercialized, and fake news are rampant. We should be known to stand for the truth.
”We should be able to strike the balance between the ethics of the profession and Islam. This is because Islam is a way of life, and the tenets should not be tampered with irrespective of your profession,” she said.
A Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Saudat Abdulbaqi, at the event, enjoined women journalists to balance their journalism roles in accordance with the tenets of Islam.
The expert, who spoke on the topic ”The future of women in journalism: How Ramadan can be a time for reflection and growth”, said women should also prove their worth to clear already existing stereotypes against women, especially Muslims.
She said women journalists should be the propagator of the Islamic injunctions that emphasized on seeking knowledge and spreading of same factually.
”Already, there are stereotypes as a woman in the field of journalism and also as a muslim woman. So, it is like double jeopardy.
”People don’t think high of women, especially in competitive roles and while assigning responsibilities because they think we have limitations.
”This and some other challenges have jeopardized our rise in our careers and the trust people have in us in carrying out our assigned roles.
”So, it behooves on us to clear the erroneous beliefs about us with one professional reporting which will not also go against the teachings of islam,” she said.
Prof. Abdulbaqi said as muslim women journalists, we have the responsibility of ensuring that peace strives in the society by being an epitome of the muslimah that the hadith and the quran talked about.
”Journalism is a profession that places high stake on planning and as women, our responsibilities are in multitudes. We can successfully multi-task, we should plan ahead so as not to be found wanting in carrying out assigned roles.
”We need to present ourselves with humility so that the best in us will radiate; we don’t have to verbalise our worth. Let our attitude preach Islam and what Islam is and what it is to be a woman journalist,” she said.
Prof. Abdulbaqi added that as muslim women journalists, we should join other parts of the world in discussing issues that affect women journalists, as battles fought in unity are faster won than those done individually.
She urged the professionals to strive not to ever compromise their faith for any worldly affairs and make integrity and justice their watchword.
The second guest lecturer, Hajia Khadijah Abdulsalam Imam, who spoke on the ”Roles of muslim women during ramadan”, advised women to shun backbiting and gossips as it reduces rewards for good deeds.
She said muslim women should instead engage in supplications and praises of Allah that can earn them reward instead of gossips that invoke the wrath of Allah.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, charged the muslim women journalists on educating young couples on managing their mental health.
Mallam Ajakaye who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communication, Abdullateef Ibrahim, commended the women journalists for their roles at home, in the profession and support for the government so far.
Also speaking, the Chairman, state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, reminded Muslim Women Journalists to utilize the fasting period to increase themselves in spirituality and good deeds that would attract divine reward.
Ahmed also challenged his female colleagues in the journalism to cultivate role-modelling so as to prepare the ground for young generation of journalists.
The state Chairman, National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ), Tunde Akanbi, urged the association to organize an enlightenment campaign on the high rate of divorce in the society.
He stressed the need for more tolerance on the part of women, identifying them as home builders.
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