Politics

Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN has called on the Federal Government to reduce the cost of governance at all levels by 70 per cent to save money to embark on developmental projects.

This is contained in a communique by Chairman, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi at the end of the monthly meeting of the Association in Ibadan hosted by the Oyo State Ministry of Information.

MMPN note that a reduction in the cost of governance by 70 per cent will help to save more money as the Association believes that the cost of governance in the country is too high compared to the developed world.

The Association urges the federal government to shelve the idea of oil subsidy removal as such a move will lead to an increase in prices of fuel and other essential commodities thereby inflicting more suffering on the majority of the Nigerian masses.

MMPN similarly urges the federal government to take proactive measures in combating the new COVID-19 variant, dubbed Omicron, especially as the festive period is fast approaching with people travelling en-mass across the country.

The Muslim pen professionals equally appealed to the federal government to take proactive steps towards averting looming industrial action planned to take place in January 2022 by judicial workers “as the strike will affect quick dispensation of justice in the country”.

The association while reviewing recent happenings in the journalism profession in the state, advised media professionals to uphold the responsibility of being the watchdog of the society by avoiding practices that could lead to derailment from its journalistic ethos.

“The charade that led to the NUJ National election, the brouhaha that characterized NUJ, Oyo State Correspondent Chapel election and the recent State NAWOJ election where 2 factions are claiming leadership of the union is a show of shame which have soiled the watchdog responsibility of the media as well as its role model functions”.

MMPN equally called on the federal government to look into the issue of molestation of female Muslim students in public higher institutions of learning so as to allow Muslims to practice their religious beliefs.

“MMPN warns civil and public servants against being overzealous in implementing government circulars or taking steps that could lead to denial or infringement on Muslims fundamental human rights”.

The Association commends Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdurasheed Abdulazeez for the prompt response and amicable resolutions to issues pertaining to Islam and at the same time lauds Engineer. Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise of fairness in the appointment of commissioners.

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria also congratulates the newly installed Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land and admonishes other zones in the state to emulate a method of choosing people with intimidating credentials into the exalted position.      

Ridwan Fasasi   

Lifestyle

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, has condemned in a strong terms the attack by some hoodlums on Radio Nigeria’s Amuludun FM, Moniya, Ibadan. 

This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan by MMPN Chairman, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi. 

Alhaji Fasasi noted that though preliminary investigations indicated that the attack was not direct to the media organisation, extension of such criminal acts to the station, which has been on the part of the people is satanic and could dampen the morale of the staff.

He called on the police to ensure that the hoodlums are brought to book stressing that arresting them would send warning signals to other criminal elements. 

Alhaji Fasasi enjoined the management of Radio Nigeria to strengthen its security network to prevent future occurrences to enhance safety of lives and property in its FM stations across the state and beyond. 

He equally urged Oyo State government to continue to do more to address the security challenges facing the people and come to the help of the station at this trying period.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

All levels of government have been urged to put in place realistic programmes that will address poverty in the land.

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi on the occasion of this year’s Maolud Nabiyy.

Alhaji Fasasi said though the aftermath of #EndSARS protest where  COVID-19 palliatives’ warehouses were looted could not be justified  but the multitude of people involved and the way it happened in the affected states confirmed the high poverty level in the country. 

He noted that it was high time wealth attached to political offices was reviewed as such did not only make the politicians the centre of attack by impoverished masses but also drained the resources of the nation.

Alhaji Fasasi explained that if Nigerian leaders emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammad which include honesty, selfless service, love, kindness, equality, fairness and above all, God’s consciousness, the country would have been among the comity of developed nations.

He enjoined leaders in the country to invest in righteous deeds at all times and fear a day when they would be called to question on their stewardship by the Almighty Allah as there would no longer be any respite regarding their judgments.

 The MMPN Chairman urged Muslims to continue to live with others peacefully, stressing that peaceful co-existence is part of Islamic ethics as Prophet Muhammad as a leader in Medinah did not only live peacefully with others but was just to them irrespective of different tribal and religious affiliations . 

Alhaji Fasasi said one of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad is good neighbourhood as neighbours remained the closest ally and being kind to them would bring about harmonious living.

He added that the message brought to mankind by the Holy Prophet is Islam which means peace, stressing that no adherent of the religion should therefore be found in any act or action that would threaten peace and stability of anyone.

PR/Rilwan Fasasi

Religion

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eidul-Kabir, the privileged ones have been enjoined to extend their financial gesture to others who are struggling to survive the economic challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic. 

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi.

Alhaji Fasasi said in the spirit of the celebration, Muslims should give preference to the assistance of those who have lost their jobs and those whose their sources of income have also been hampered by the coronavirus pandemic as such would bring smiles to their families.

He emphasized that this is not the time to keep meat at home even after it has been divided into three based on Shariah as a lot of those who usually slaughter animals are now in need due to the situation caused by the virus.

Alhaji Fasasi urged the faithful to celebrate the Eid with moderation and comply with all measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

He noted that Muslims are still free to observe their 2 Rakaat prayer at home with their families if there are no provision for Covid-19 protocols like running water with soap, physical distancing and the use of facemasks at Eid grounds.

Alhaji Fasasi admonished Muslims to imbibe the spirit of obedience, love, kindness and equality that Eidul-Kabir celebration stands for in their day-to-day activities. 

He equally noted that faithfulness and the fear of Allah displayed by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismail played prominent roles in the history of the celebration and urged Muslims to emulate the virtues.

The MMPN Chairman enjoined Muslims to ensure peaceful co-existence with adherents of other religions as every man has a link to Prophet Adam and they should see others as their brothers and sisters. 

He emphasized that peaceful co-existence is part of Islamic ethics as Prophet Muhammad as a leader in Medinah did not only live peacefully with others but was just to them irrespective of different tribal and religious affiliations. 

Ridwan Fasasi