From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Journalists under the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, on Wednesday set aside the newsroom bustle to reflect on faith, unity and professional solidarity during a joint Ramadan and Lent gathering in Ilorin.
The interfaith meeting, convened by the chapel’s executive led by Chairman Abiola Azeez of Tribune Newspaper, drew members to the chapel secretariat for prayers, sober reflections and open conversations on the state of the union.
Azeez said the event was deliberately organised against the backdrop of recent losses within the chapel, describing them as painful reminders of the fleeting nature of life. He recalled the death of former chairman, Layiwola Olanrewaju, as well as the earlier passing of member Saka Laro.
“These are sobering developments that should make us reflect on what we do and how we prepare for the eventualities of life,” Azeez told colleagues, urging members to close ranks and prioritise mutual support over division.
Also speaking, former chairman and veteran journalist, Wole Adedeji, described the rare coincidence of Ramadan and Lent as symbolic and spiritually instructive.
“It speaks of something divine and must be a message urging unity among us regardless of which religion we belong,” he said, stressing that the shared season of fasting and prayer should inspire tolerance and deeper understanding among practitioners.
On his part, Mumuni Kareem of Daily Trust Newspaper, reminded Muslim colleagues of the deeper meaning of Ramadan, noting that beyond abstinence, the holy month calls for forgiveness, compassion and renewed commitment to righteous living.
The atmosphere throughout the gathering was reflective yet warm, as members exchanged pleasantries and pledged to strengthen professional harmony within the chapel. By the close of the event, participants agreed that beyond reporting society’s divisions, journalists must also model unity within their own ranks.
