NASFAT Urges Media, Movie Practitioners to Correct Bias Against Islam
It says, they are Key Tools for Portraying and Correcting Biases Against Islam
By Sadiq Abdulfatah
Imam Abdul-Azeez Morufu Onike, the Chief Imam of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), has urged media professionals and Muslim movie practitioners to take a more responsible role in addressing ongoing bias and correcting false portrayals of Islam in public discussions.
This was disclosed during the 2026 Ramadan NASFAT Iftar with the media in Lagos. The event hosted media executives as well as some Muslim Nollywood actors, producers, and directors.
While addressing journalists, broadcasters, and filmmakers, the Chief Imam explained how the media remains one of the most powerful instruments for shaping public perception about Islam. He said it can either continue to cause misinterpretation of Islam and Muslims or foster clarity and harmony.
According to him, “Media is not just about information; it is about influence. When narratives are framed without fairness or knowledge, they create stereotypes that harm social cohesion. Islam must not be reduced to headlines driven by extremism or conflict.” He then called on Nigeria’s film industry and mainstream media to promote truth, verification, and balanced storytelling, particularly when reporting on religious matters.
He said biased reporting and exaggerated coverage have led to wrong perceptions about Islam and Muslims, particularly among young people who rely heavily on digital media for information. He stressed that responsible journalism reflects the Qur’anic command to verify information before sharing it, emphasizing that accuracy and responsibility must always come before speed and popularity.
NASFAT President, Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf, also seeks the support of the media to positively portray Islam and project the work of NASFAT, adding that NASFAT is working continuously to ease the hardships of the vulnerable and will continue to assist internally displaced persons (IDPs) regardless of their faith.
Speaking on NASFAT’s 2026 Ramadan theme, “He who saves a life, saves humanity,” Missioner Imam AbdulGaniyu Raji emphasized that journalists, filmmakers, and other media professionals play a vital role in saving lives through responsible and positive reporting. The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development added that media is a powerful tool to shape youth narratives, stressing the need to guide young people to use it constructively rather than merely seeking attention, clicks, or social validation.
Source: Daily Trust
SPONSORED
SPONSORED
