Pantami calls for world-class media station in Northern Nigeria to ‘change narratives’

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has called for the establishment of a media station of national and international standard in Northern Nigeria.

Pantami made the appeal during a Tafsir session yesterday evening.

He stressed that the proposed platform should broadcast in English, French and other major global languages. According to him, such an outlet would help correct negative narratives and stereotypes about the region and project its true image to the world.

He explained that creating strong and strategic institutions of that nature is, in certain situations, more crucial than building additional places of worship in communities where they are already adequate.

The cleric’s remarks have attracted support from many who believe the region needs a stronger voice in the global media space.

However, observers say the major obstacle lies in preparedness and commitment. They argue that the North has not yet demonstrated the level of unity and readiness required to execute a project of that scale.

Some believe it could take several decades before the necessary structure and coordination are achieved.

Analysts also note that the vision may only become reality sooner if a well-placed individual or organisation takes the initiative and provides the needed support. They maintain that while there is agreement on the importance of the idea, collective action has remained limited.