BY ABDULLAHI ABDULKADIR
BENIN CITY – The Edo State chapter of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has expressed its readiness to partner with the Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs (EDSCIA) in a collaborative effort to promote Islamic values and improve the public perception of Muslims in the state.
This proposal was tabled during a recent meeting between both bodies at the EDSCIA secretariat in Benin City, where representatives discussed the scope and benefits of working together.
Speaking at the session, the Edo State MMPN President, Abdul-Kadir Abdullah, stated that although the national body of the MMPN has been formally registered since 1997, the Edo State chapter was revived in January.
He said that the group is focused on mobilising Muslim journalists across the state to use their media influence to support Islamic development.
Referencing the organisation’s constitution, Abdullah cited Article 5, Sections A and C, which empower the MMPN to collaborate with other Islamic groups. He identified EDSCIA as a key partner in this mission and welcomed the growing enthusiasm among Muslim media professionals to use their platforms to promote Islamic causes in Edo State.
“We are open to collaboration and partnership with other Muslim organisations to advance the cause of Islam in the state,” he stated.
He also voiced optimism that such collaboration would strengthen the visibility of Islamic programmes, the activities of EDSCIA, and the positive roles of Muslim leaders in public life.
Responding, the Chairman of EDSCIA, Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, commended the initiative and welcomed the MMPN delegation. He provided insight into the structure of the council, noting that it operates under the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs led by the Sultan of Sokoto.
He explained that EDSCIA comprises a 23-member executive drawn from all senatorial districts and diverse Muslim organisations in the state.
Alhaji Igbinidu described the media as a vital component in the dissemination of information and the strengthening of religious institutions.
“I’m very happy to see that an organisation like yours exists. In anything you are doing, the media is very important. It is the media that can really tell the public what you are doing, and at the same time, it can also bring some assistance to the council and others,” he said.
He expressed enthusiasm about the proposed partnership and urged Muslim media professionals to continue promoting Islam and portraying the community as peaceful, productive, and law-abiding.
The EDSCIA chairman also revealed plans by the council to establish a permanent secretariat and expressed hope that the MMPN could lend support towards realising that goal through strategic media engagement.
Both leaders affirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, describing the engagement as a significant step toward the advancement of Islam and the positive representation of Muslims in Edo State.
