Ramadan, Lent Coincidence Signals Call For Religious Tolerance – Interfaith Media

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has said the coincidence of the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent presents a powerful opportunity for religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.

In a statement issued yesterday, the vice chairman of the Guild’s Governing Council, Muyiwa Akintunde, described the simultaneous commencement of the two major religious observances as a “divine coincidence” that reinforces shared spiritual values across faith lines.

According to him, the alignment of Ramadan and Lent demonstrates how different religious traditions can share a moment of reflection, fasting and spiritual renewal, despite operating on separate calendars.

“Despite different calendars, humanity’s search for meaning often lines up in unexpected ways,” Akintunde said, adding that the development shows that both faiths are not mutually exclusive and their adherents should coexist in harmony.

He noted that Ramadan and Lent are not merely seasons of abstinence from food and drink but periods of moral rebirth, compassion and bridge-building among communities.

Akintunde described Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity as a divine blessing rather than a fault line for division, urging citizens to use the sacred seasons to deepen mutual respect and understanding.

He said Ramadan offers Muslims a unique platform to demonstrate the true essence of Islam as a religion rooted in 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 stated.

“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, the 40-day period of repentance and spiritual reflection, calls for prayer, fasting and almsgiving as believers prepare for Easter.

It urged Christians to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, including His time in the wilderness, and to turn away from sin while embracing renewed faith and commitment to peaceful living.

Akintunde stressed that true fasting goes beyond abstaining from physical nourishment, insisting that it must also involve refraining from hate speech, intolerance, and actions that deepen religious divides.

The Guild encouraged religious leaders and scholars to use their pulpits to preach unity, compassion and mutual respect, especially during the holy seasons.

GIMP-Nigeria further called on media professionals to avoid sensational or divisive reporting that could inflame tensions. Instead, journalists and content creators were urged to highlight stories of interfaith cooperation, humanitarian service and peaceful community engagement.

Akintunde emphasised that interfaith dialogue should not be restricted to conferences and formal gatherings but must be reflected in everyday conduct — from sharing meals with neighbours to collaborating on community service initiatives and standing together against violence and injustice.

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

Reaffirming its commitment to promoting interreligious understanding, the Guild pledged to continue engaging journalists and faith leaders in fostering narratives that strengthen unity rather than division.

As the fasting seasons progress, GIMP-Nigeria prayed for peace, security and prosperity in Nigeria, urging citizens — regardless of faith — to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and shared humanity.