Renowned Islamic scholar and cybersecurity expert, Prof. Ibrahim Pantami, has called on Northern Muslims to prioritise strategic investment in the media industry, warning that decades of under-investment have created what he described as a “dangerous communication deficit”.
Pantami, a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, made the call during a lecture at the ICECE AL-Noor Mosque in Abuja, where he spoke on the intersection of faith, communication and societal influence.
Addressing a packed audience of scholars, professionals and community leaders, the professor argued that although Northern Nigeria and the Muslim community often dominate national discourse, they rarely own or control the platforms that shape and frame those conversations. He said: “We are frequently discussed, but we are not the ones telling our story. If you do not invest in the channels of communication, others will define you”.
Pantami noted that while significant resources have been committed to building mosques and religious institutions across the North, comparatively little attention has been paid to establishing and sustaining credible media platforms—television stations, newspapers, digital outlets and film production houses—that can project balanced narratives about the region.
According to him, this imbalance has left the region vulnerable to misrepresentation, stereotyping and external framing, particularly in times of political tension or security challenges.
He stressed that modern influence is driven largely by information control and digital visibility, urging wealthy individuals and institutions in the region to view media investment as a strategic necessity rather than a luxury. “In today’s world, communication is power. If you neglect the media space, you surrender your voice,” he said.
Pantami also highlighted the transformative role of digital media, social networks and content creation in shaping public opinion, especially among young people. He encouraged Northern youths to pursue careers in journalism, broadcasting, filmmaking and digital innovation, while calling on investors to support such talents with funding, mentorship and infrastructure.
The former minister further urged media entrepreneurs to uphold professionalism and ethical standards, cautioning that credibility must remain the foundation of any successful communication platform.
He concluded by emphasising that investing in media does not undermine religious commitments but rather complements them, as effective communication is essential for promoting values, fostering unity and advancing development.
“Our message is important. But without strong platforms, even the best message will struggle to reach the world”, he emphasised.
