Ramadan Lent Tolerance: Interfaith Media Calls for Unity

Ramadan Lent Coincidence and Religious Tolerance

The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria, GIMP-Nigeria,  says the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent presents a powerful opportunity to strengthen religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the Vice Chairman of the Guild’s Governing Council, Muyiwa Akintunde, described the overlap as a “divine coincidence” that reinforces shared spiritual values across faith lines.

Meanwhile, Akintunde noted that the alignment of the two sacred seasons shows how different religious traditions can share moments of fasting, reflection, and renewal—even while operating on separate calendars. “Despite different calendars, humanity’s search for meaning often lines up in unexpected ways,” he said.

Beyond Abstinence: Shared Moral Values

Beyond abstaining from food and drink, GIMP-Nigeria stressed that Ramadan and Lent encourage moral rebirth, compassion, and bridge-building across communities.

As a result, Akintunde urged Muslims to use Ramadan to demonstrate Islam’s core values of mercy, justice, and peaceful coexistence. “Ramadan teaches self-restraint, empathy for people with low income, and love for humanity—values Nigeria urgently needs,” he said.

At the same time, the Guild reminded Christians that Lent—the 40-day period of repentance and reflection—calls for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as believers prepare for Easter. According to the statement, reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ should inspire renewed commitment to peace and moral living.

Call to Leaders, Media, and Citizens

Importantly, Akintunde stressed that true fasting must go beyond physical denial. It should also mean refraining from hate speech, intolerance, and actions that deepen religious divides.

The Guild encouraged religious leaders to use their pulpits to preach unity and compassion. Likewise, it called on journalists to avoid sensational or divisive reporting. Instead, media professionals should highlight stories of interfaith cooperation, humanitarian service, and peaceful community engagement.

Beyond conferences and formal dialogues, GIMP-Nigeria said interfaith harmony must reflect in everyday life—from sharing meals with neighbours to collaborating on community service and standing together against violence and injustice.

A National Appeal for Unity

The organisation also urged government agencies, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and faith leaders to organise interfaith fast-breaking events and community outreach programmes that bring Nigerians together.

Reaffirming its mission, GIMP-Nigeria pledged to continue engaging journalists and religious leaders to promote narratives that strengthen unity rather than division. As the fasting seasons progress, the Guild prayed for peace, security, and prosperity in Nigeria, calling on all citizens—regardless of faith—to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and shared humanity.