The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has described the coming of Muslims Ramadan Fasting and Christian Lent Fasting on the same day, today, as a sign for the strengthening of religious tolerance between practitioners of the two religions for national unity.
The Guild therefore called on Muslims and Christians in the country to seize the spiritual opportunity of Ramadan and Lent to promote such religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
In a statement today, February 17, in Abuja, Vice Chairman, Governing Council of GIMP-Nigeria, Muyiwa Akintunde said: “the beginning of the significant religious responsibilities on the same day shows how different traditions can share a moment of reflection through fasting, and spiritual fulfilment.”
He said that the Divine coincidence further reinforces that both faiths are not mutually exclusive, adding that their faithfulfs should therefore co-exist in harmony.
“Despite different calendars, humanity’s search for meaning often lines up in unexpected ways.”
Akintunde said that Ramadan and Lent are not only seasons of fasting and devotion but also periods of moral rebirth, compassion and bridge-building across faith lines.
He advised Nigerians to use the diversity in religion, ethnic and culture as a divine blessing rather than a fault line for division.
He said that Ramadan provides a unique platform for Muslims to demonstrate the true essence of 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. 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”.
GIMP-Nigeria also reminded Nigerian Christians that Lent is a 40-day spiritual rebirth devoted to repentance, and focusing on prayer, fasting and almsgiving to draw closer to God.
The Guild’s Vice Chairman reminded the faithful to remember the sacrifice ofJesus Christ, which included His time in the wilderness, and encouraged believers to reflect on their faith, turn away from sin, and prepare for the joy of Easter.
Akintunde emphasised that fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink and that it includes refraining from hate speech, intolerance and actions capable of deepening religious divides.
He encouraged religious scholars and preachers to use their pulpits to promote messages of unity and mutual respect.
He advised media professionals to avoid sensational or divisive reporting during the holy seasons.
“Instead, journalists and content creators should highlight stories of interfaith cooperation, humanitarian service and peaceful community engagement.
Akintunde stressed that interfaith dialogue should not be limited to conferences but must be reflected in everyday conduct, including sharing meals with neighbours, participating in community service projects and standing together against violence and injustice.
He called on government institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and traditional rulers to collaborate in organising interfaith fast-breaking gatherings and community outreach programmes that bring Nigerians of different faiths together.
He reaffirmed Guild’s commitment to using media as a tool for interreligious understanding and peaceful coexistence, pledging to continue engaging journalists and faith leaders in promoting narratives that foster unity rather than division.
He said that GIMP-Nigeria is engaged in prayed for peace, security and prosperity in Nigeria, calling on all Nigerians, regardless of faith, to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and shared humanity.
