AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The third International Conference of “AhlulBayt (a.s.) Media Narrators” commenced Thursday morning, May 1, 2025, in Qom, coinciding with the Ten Days of Dignity (from the first day of Dhu al-Qadah marked as Lady Masoumeh’s (a.s.) birth anniversary, to Dhu al-Qadah 11, coinciding with Imam Reza’s (a.s.) birth anniversary). The event was held at the conference hall of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, with the participation of media professionals and intellectuals from Iran and several African countries. It has been organized by the AhlulBayt (a.s.) International News Agency (ABNA).
During the opening session, Salati Bello, a Nigerian media activist, highlighted the importance of media in today’s world and stated, “It suffices to say that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic once remarked that if he were not responsible for leadership, he would have chosen a career in media.” He noted that this reflects the high status and significance of the media.
Stressing the need to expand indigenous media across the African continent, he said, “In countries such as Nigeria and Burkina Faso, there are media outlets that appear local but are in fact operated by non-locals, failing to deliver the key and necessary messages to society.” He emphasized the growing necessity for media that is locally managed and content-driven in order to convey truths directly to the people without intermediaries.
In another part of his speech, Salati Bello expressed his appreciation for the efforts of ABNA and the African Students’ Union in organizing this conference, adding, “The activities of the African Students’ Union initially began with the support of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly. Unfortunately, this cooperation has diminished over time. We respectfully request the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly to enhance bilateral support and cooperation with this union.”
