A renowned Islamic scholar and a lecturer in the department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Imam Abdur-Razzaq Ajibade has enjoined Nigerian journalists to use their pen to bridge the gap in Interfaith and shun compromising of religion related report.
Imam Abdur-Razzaq gave the advised on Friday while delivering a lecture at Ramadan Lecture/Iftar Organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun state council themed ‘The Role of Media in Promoting Interfaith Understanding and Peaceful Coexistence’ held at NUJ Hall, Iwe-Iroyin, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, the state capital.
In his lecture tittled “Responsible Journalism as a Bridge for Interfaith Harmony in Nigeria”, Imam Abdur-Razzaq said that, Media as a Bridge Builder
In a plural society like Nigeria, it is more than an observer of social reality, but an active participant in shaping it.
He added that, Where religion and ethnicity are deeply woven into identity, journalism can either widen divisions or cultivate mutual understanding, but to serve as a bridge builder, the media must move beyond reactive reporting and adopt constructive, peace and oriented journalism.
Speaking on what he described as ‘ethical failure, he recalled an article written by one Isioma Daniel on Thisday newspaper in 2002 that caused Media Escalation during Miss world pageant, where she said if Prophet Muhammad is alive, he might have chosen a wife from among contestants, and her comment triggered widespread outrage among Muslims, particularly in Northern Nigeria, as Protests escalated into violent riots, resulting in significant loss of lives and destruction of property.
He urged journalists irrespective of their faith, not to see their reports as a mere one but what occupies a powerful and delicate space, most especially in a society as religiously diverse as Nigeria, where faith shapes identity, community life, and public discourse.
He emphasized that, In moments of tension, headlines can inflame, in moments of misunderstanding, commentary can clarify, or distort, but in times of peace, responsible journalism can strengthen trust across religious divides.
Earlier, the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun state council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju in his welcome address, advised journalists to desist from any report that can pits one faith against another.
He stressed that, journalists must use their platforms to celebrate the shared values of peace, charity, and justice that both Islam and Christianity uphold, adding that, they are the first line of defense against those who use religion to divide society through misinformation.
​While describing pen as a trust from God; he warned that, journalists must use it to weave a fabric of peace, not to tear the garment of the national unity, and allow the lecture to serve as a reminder that a peaceful Ogun State and a stable Nigeria are only possible when the media prioritizes social responsibility over breaking news.
Also in attendance at the event, the member Representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, represented by Mr. Zakariyau Ajao; NUJ National leader, Comrade James Sowole, Mufasir (Leader Preacher) of Muslim Media Practitioner of Nigeria (MMPN), Daud Olatunji, Ogun NUJ members of executives, chairman of 2026 Ogun NUJ Ramadan Lecture/Iftar, Comrade Azeez Olorunlomeru and his members, Ogun NUJ members and host of others.
