Iftar With Media:NASFAT Urges Media To Prioritize Truth And Responsibility.

Emmanuel Clement 

The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has called on journalists, content creators and media professionals to handle their work with care, describing the media as a powerful tool that shapes faith, unity, and national growth.

The call was made at NASFAT’s Iftar with media and friends of the organization held on Saturday 28, February 2026 at the Chartered Institute of Personnels Management of Nigeria (CIPM)event hall, Ikeja Lagos, themed “Ethical Pulse: Media as a Catalyst for Dawah and Growth”.

The NASFAT President, Alhaji Abdulrauf Abdulwaheed Ayodeji in his welcome address,emphasized the importance of truth and responsible communication, saying saving lives includes protecting society from harmful narratives and misinformation.

According to him, Ramadan offers Muslims an opportunity to reflect on compassion, patience and justice, while also remembering those displaced by conflict within and outside Nigeria.

He stated that journalists and media professionals play a vital role in safeguarding civil rights and promoting unity, stressing that what is written or broadcast can either build trust or deepen division.

The Chief Monsignor,Morouf Onike, who welcomed the media practitioners at the Iftar, described media practice as an amanah — a trust that must be handled with fear of God and a sense of accountability.

“Whoever controls the narrative carries a heavy responsibility,” he said. “The media has become the new pulpit. What you say today cannot be withdrawn tomorrow.”

He warned against the spread of fake news, reminding practitioners that ethical standards are tested beyond the camera.

“Consider truth before trends,” he advised, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy over popularity.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Imam Abdulganiu Raji, who reminded the Journalist about the popular phrase, “the pen is mightier than the sword,” highlighting the extraordinary power of information.

He spoke on the theme “He who saves life, saves humanity” under the Sub theme”Ethical Pulse:Media As  A Catalyst For Dawah and Human Growth”stating that every profession contributes to saving lives, whether doctors, judges, teachers or security personnel. Journalists, he said, also save lives when they report responsibly and prevent panic or conflict through verified information.

He cautioned against three forces that often damage national unity: religious leaders who preach division instead of enlightenment, politicians who exploit ethnic and religious fault lines, and political media actors who profit from negativity.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development,Hon Mobolaji Ogunlende in his goodwill message highlighted the strong influence of social media on young people.

He observed that most youth engagement now happens online, making the media space a powerful determinant of behaviour and perception.

Mobalaji cited recent viral incidents where unverified allegations spread quickly, leading to confusion and reputational damage before investigations clarified the facts.

Other speakers highlighted the media’s power to build trust or deepen division, warning against fake news and sensational headlines

Gboyega Akosile,Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, stated that media has shaped how people think, believe and behave, noting that media is not just an entertainment for the Muslims but a powerful tool for Dawah.

While commending the Nollywood actors for their support in projecting Islam describing Nollywood as a significant arm of the media ecosystem, with strong influence over cultural values and public opinion.

Akosile encouraged filmmakers and actors to use their platforms to promote unity and positive storytelling.

Nollywood figures, such as Lateef Adedimeji and Fathia Balogun-Williams, also reinforce the message that entertainment professionals share the same ethical responsibility as journalists.

Speaking with newsmen Lateef Adedimeji opined that Nollywood can promote and propagate Islam” there’s no better way to do it than the way we’ve been doing it,we just need to put in more efforts,in as much as we tell circular stories, we should tell Islamic based stories.”

“There are a lot of stories from the Quran, There are a lot of stories from the days of the Prophet and all of that.”

“Those are things we can try as much as possible to start putting into a script and start putting into a movie and start uploading for people to keep watching so that Muslims, you know and they are doing an Islamic story by themselves, even in a way,they are improving their own skills in theater and also propagating the gospel of Islam”

Also,Gboyega Akosile,Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity said “it cannot be overstated that media is the veritable tool if you want to promote Islam today.

“You know, back in the day, Dawah used to be one on one,you go to the mosque and you talk to people. But today you’ll find out that the world is shrinking and the world is converging in that digital space.”he said.

Investigator news reports that the event brought together religious leaders, government officials, actors, and media practitioners to reflect on the growing influence of digital platforms and the moral duty attached to them.

The event concluded with prayers and the breaking of fast,as NASFAT reiterated its commitment to promoting faith-based values, national unity and media accountability.