Tanzanian journalist, Ramadan El-Rashid has praised Nigeria’s vibrant and dynamic media landscape, describing it as a model for press freedom in Africa.
Speaking at the end of a six-month exchange program with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Abuja, the nation’s capital, El-Rashid, described the openness and diversity of Nigeria’s media as key strengths.
Press Freedom
Reflecting on his experience, El-Rashid commended Nigeria for its significant press freedom.
“Nigeria’s media landscape is exceptional. Both government-owned and private media freely report on issues, including criticisms of government, without fear based on facts available,” he said.
He compared this to East Africa and noted the challenges journalists face in his home region when critiquing authorities. “This level of freedom is not common in many African countries,” he noted.
While he praised the diversity of media organisations in Nigeria, El-Rashid suggested greater collaboration and a unified broadcasting corporation that combines radio and television.
A Changed Perspective on Nigeria
El-Rashid also reflected on his broader experiences in Nigeria, acknowledging that his time in the country dispelled negative stereotypes.
“Before coming here, I was warned about terrorism and fraud. But my experience has been nothing short of positive. Nigeria is a beautiful country and truly the giant of Africa,” he said.
He highlighted the warmth of Nigerians and the country’s rich culture, adding that his admiration for Nigeria began as a child, inspired by the nation’s legendary 1994 football team and a player Rashidi Yakini as he is nicknamed.
A Message to Africa
Encouraging others to explore Nigeria, El-Rashid urged fellow Africans to shed their misconceptions about the country. “Nigeria is a hub of opportunities, academic excellence, and professional growth. I encourage my peers to visit and learn from this great nation,” he said.
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Testament to Unity
As he bid farewell, El-Rashid expressed gratitude to the Voice of Nigeria and his Nigerian colleagues for their support and collaboration.
“Nigeria’s media has shown me the power of unity and freedom in shaping narratives. My time here has been transformative,” he concluded.
El-Rashid’s reflections underscore the critical role of media in fostering understanding and unity across Africa through partnerships like that between Voice of Nigeria and the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) in positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa.
The Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, expressed gratitude by El-Rashid’s six-month visit to the organization and assured the Tanzanian Broadcasting Corporation of continuous collaboration to ensure the sustainability of the partnership.
The Director General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndache expressed gratitude for the six months visit by El-Rashid to Voice of Nigeria and assured the Tanzanian Broadcasting Corporation of continuous collaboration to make the partnership sustainable.
Mallam Ndace further stated that VON staff will travel to Tanzania in early 2025 as part of an exchange program for six months to compliment what El-Rashid had just finished in Nigeria.
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