As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate Easter, the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria), has advised Nigerians to seize the spiritual significance of the season to promote religious tolerance and national unity.
The group said that this is a pathway to sustainable socio-economic development.
In a statement today, April 3, Director of Governmental Relations, Mallam Idris Abdullahi, said that the group wanted Nigerians to see Easter beyond its theological meaning, adding that it offers an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values that bind the nation together.
Abdullahi, who is also a member of the body’s Governing Board, noted that in a country as religiously and culturally diverse as Nigeria, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence remain indispensable for progress.
He noted that, over the years, religious intolerance has contributed to social fragmentation, insecurity, and economic stagnation in parts of the country.
He said that GIMP-Nigeria insisted on interfaith harmony which is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic necessity for national development.
“No nation can achieve meaningful socio-economic growth in an atmosphere of suspicion, division, and conflict. Peaceful coexistence among religious groups creates the enabling environment for investment, innovation, and inclusive governance.”
He called on religious leaders, media practitioners, civil society organisations and government institutions to use the Easter season as a platform to amplify messages of peace, dialogue, and understanding.
GIMP-Nigeria, he said, urged faith leaders to preach sermons that emphasise tolerance, compassion, and respect for human dignity, regardless of religious affiliation.
He also highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and promoting interfaith dialogue. It encouraged journalists to adopt responsible reporting practices that avoid sensationalism and instead promote narratives that unite rather than divide.
‘The media must rise above divisive tendencies and become a force for national cohesion. Through balanced and ethical reporting, we can build bridges of understanding among Nigeria’s diverse communities.”
He appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, to reject hate speech, misinformation and extremist ideologies that threaten the country’s unity.
He also advised citizens to embrace the spirit of Easter by showing kindness, forgiveness, and solidarity with one another, saying that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that harnessing this diversity through religious tolerance is key to unlocking the nation’s vast socio-economic potential.
“Let this Easter be a kicker to our resolve to collectively choose peace over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division.”
