The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has urged Muslims and Christians to use the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent to promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the vice chairman of the Guild’s Governing Council, Mr Muyiwa Akintunde, described the simultaneous commencement of the two major religious observances as a significant moment for reflection and harmony among Nigerians of different faiths.
He noted that the alignment of the sacred seasons demonstrates how diverse religious traditions can share a common period of fasting and spiritual renewal.
“Despite different calendars, humanity’s search for meaning often lines up in unexpected ways,” Akintunde said, adding that the development underscores the need for adherents of both faiths to coexist peacefully.
According to him, Ramadan and Lent are not only periods of fasting and devotion but also seasons of moral rebirth, compassion and bridge-building across faith lines.
Akintunde stressed that Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity should be regarded as a divine blessing rather than a fault line for division.
He said Ramadan offers Muslims an opportunity to demonstrate Islam as a religion of mercy, justice and peaceful coexistence.
“Ramadan teaches self-restraint, empathy for the less privileged and love for humanity. These values are urgently needed in our national life,” he said.
“At a time when our country faces security and social cohesion challenges, Muslims must allow the spirit of Ramadan to guide their interactions with neighbours of other faiths.”
The Guild also reminded Christians that Lent is a 40-day period devoted to repentance, prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. It urged believers to reflect on their faith and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, including His time in the wilderness, and to turn away from actions that promote division.
Akintunde emphasised that fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink, noting that it also involves refraining from hate speech, intolerance and conduct capable of deepening religious divides.
He called on religious leaders to use their pulpits to promote unity and mutual respect, while urging media practitioners to avoid sensational or divisive reporting during the holy seasons.
Instead, he encouraged journalists to highlight stories of interfaith cooperation, humanitarian service and peaceful community engagement.
The Guild further appealed to government institutions, civil society organisations and traditional rulers to collaborate on interfaith initiatives, including community outreach programmes and joint fast-breaking gatherings.
GIMP-Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to promoting interreligious understanding through responsible media engagement and called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, shared humanity and peaceful coexistence as the fasting season progresses.
