Nigerian Muslims get first radio station

ABUJA – A leading Muslim group has launched Nigeria’s first Muslim radio station in an effort to clear misconceptions about Islam and to orientate the country’s Muslims about their faith.

“The Voice of Ummah or Quds Radio hopes to fill that gap, providing high quality Islamic contents to more a million listeners in Nigeria,” Daood Imran Molaasan, President of the Jama’atu Ta’awun Muslimeen (TAWUN), told OnIslam.net.

Owners of the radio say it aims to correct misconceptions fuelled by Christians-dominated media in Nigeria about Islam.

“The station’s programming reflects a desire to reach people on a different level, to broaden the horizons of all listeners,” Molaasan said.

“In the race for excellence, there is no finish line and The Voice of Ummah programming and broadcasting philosophies will Inshallah be a testimony to that.”

Muslims make up nearly 55 percent of Nigeria’s 140 million population, while Christians account for nearly 40 percent.

Nigeria’s Muslims have long complained of media bias in covering their affairs, especially in light of attacks launched by militant Boko Haram group.

Nigeria has more than 40 private radio stations, 13 of them owned by Christian bodies.

Muslims did not own any radio station.

The TAWUN leader said the decision to float a Muslim radio station flows from the negative media portrayal of Islam and Muslims.

“Lack of Muslim ownership of media house in Nigeria has affected grossly in the propagation of Islamic message (Da’wah),” he said.

“The effect could be physically seen in the anal of attitude and behavior Muslims put up in the society, especially the Muslim children.”

Educating Muslims

Owners say that the radio also aims to orientate Nigeria’s Muslims about their faith.

“The Voice of Ummah is designed to encourage listeners to think, to grow, and create an awareness of various ideologies that will assist them both on a social and spiritual level,” Molaasan said.

”Programming will cover issues of global relevance, from finance and technology to lifestyle and infotainment. Children’s and women’s programming is also of key importance in The Voice of Ummah bouquet of services.”

He said the nascent station will seek cooperation with renowned Muslim leaders to help achieve its goal or educating Muslims about their faith.

“The Voice of Ummah presenters and content producers will Inchallah work closely with key Islamic scholars in the Arab world to formulate Islamic content with specific relevance to the African market, breaking through communication barriers, keeping listeners informed and stimulated,” he said.

Molaasan said the radio also seeks to build the intellectual capacities of Muslims to respond effectively to contemporary and religious issues.

“Interaction with listeners is paramount,” he said.

“Every program is designed to uplift and inspire listeners, making Muslims feel proud to be Muslims while other faiths feel friendly, and determined to make the most of each day.

“In parts of Nigeria, the Voice of Ummah or Quds Radio listeners will definitely abandon a non-Islamic Radio Station, preferring the value and excitement of each day’s programming,” a confident Molaasan said.

“In the future The Voice of Ummah or Quds Radio will Inchallah be known as a pioneer in Islamic radio station broadcasting and will become the benchmark which is setting the pace for the proliferation and growth of teaching Islamic etiquettes through media in Nigeria.”