MPAC engages in monitoring of the Nigerian media and we provide feedback from the community on issues that affect us. We think of the media as a tool for positive change. We believe that we can impress the media and impact decisions on what gets covered, and how. If we don’t make an effort, we and other elements in our society will live with misinformation about our religion and issues affecting our community, and media organizations will think they are doing fine job. The objective is to promote free and accurate media coverage of issues affecting the Muslim community. We aim to achieve the objective simply by holding the media accountable to the basic tenets of journalism.

Put yourself in the shoes of a presenter, reporter or editor. They are more receptive to constructive criticism than they are to pressure. Don’t just demand that the media promote Islam and Muslim images — but rather, to be factual, impartial, and honest. Always ask yourself what would make the report better? Show the news agency not only what’s wrong with their story, but how there is a more balanced alternative. One way to do this is by showing how their competitors reported the story more fairly. This is the difference between complaining and constructive criticism.

Through our educational resources and materials on your rights, MPAC empowers Nigerian Muslims to advocate for rights and fundamental safety. You may not be at the helms of affairs and you may not know anybody that is but, insha Allah your sincere intentions will be enough to get the job done. That brings us to the first point on how to be a voice.