Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Ambassador 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 in Ilorin at the maiden edition of Ramadan symposium organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kwara State Chapter.
Ambassor 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.
She expressed concern over media commercialization, as fake news are rampant and advocated truthful journalism
The First lady urged journalists to always strike balance in their reportage devoid of sentiments
A Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, 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 pointed out that women journalists should be the propagator of the Islamic injunctions that emphasized on seeking knowledge and spreading of same factually.
According to her people don’t think high of women, especially in competitive roles and while assigning responsibilities because they think they have limitations.
Professor Abdulbaqi said as muslim women journalists, tho 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.
The Don added that as muslim women journalists, they 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), Alhaji 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.
