The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria), has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, while calling on religious leaders to intensify efforts toward promoting interfaith harmony and national cohesion.
In a statement in Abuja on Thursday by the Secretary of its Governing Board, Barrister Samuel Egburonu, GIMP-Nigeria, said that it sees Eid-ul-Fitr as ,”a significant spiritual milestone that reflects the core values of sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and generosity.
“Eid-ul-Fitr is not only a celebration marking the end of Ramadan, but also a profound reminder of the moral and spiritual virtues that bind humanity together.
“It is a time for reflection, renewal, and reaffirmation of our shared commitment to peace and coexistence”.
Egburonu emphasised the critical role of faith leaders in shaping public attitudes and fostering peaceful relationships among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
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He urged “Muslim clerics, Christian leaders, and traditional rulers to use their platforms to preach messages that promote unity, tolerance, and mutual respect.
“In a country as diverse as Nigeria, religious leaders must serve as bridges of understanding rather than agents of division. Their voices carry immense influence, and so they must be consistently used to encourage peaceful coexistence and national integration”, he added.
The GIMP-Nigeria scribe further noted that religious intolerance and divisive narratives pose serious threats to national stability and development.
He called for sustained efforts to counter hate speech and misinformation, particularly within the media space.
“Media practitioners must recognise the power of information in shaping perceptions. So, they must remain committed to responsible reporting that promotes interfaith dialogue and counters narratives capable of inciting conflict”, he said.
Egburonu reiterated the commitment of GIMP-Nigeria to advancing interfaith engagement through media advocacy, capacity building, and strategic communication initiatives aimed at strengthening national unity.
He also called on government institutions and civil society organisations to support policies and programs that encourage religious harmony, protect fundamental freedoms, and address societal grievances through inclusive dialogue.
“As we celebrate Eid, let us all reflect on our individual and collective responsibilities in building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. The values of empathy, tolerance, and respect must guide our interactions, regardless of religious or ethnic differences”, he urged.
Egburonu said that GIMP-Nigeria wishes all Muslim faithful a joyous and peaceful Eid celebration.
