The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has called on Nigerians to use the Easter season as an opportunity to promote religious tolerance, national unity, and socio-economic development.
In a statement issued in Abuja on April 3, 2026, the group said the spiritual significance of Easter should go beyond religious observance and serve as a platform for fostering peaceful coexistence among citizens of different faiths.
The statement, signed by the Director of Governmental Relations, Idris Abdullahi, emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity makes mutual respect and interfaith harmony essential for national progress.
According to Abdullahi, who also serves as a member of the organisation’s governing board, religious intolerance has, over time, contributed to social fragmentation, insecurity, and economic challenges in parts of the country.
He stressed that promoting understanding among religious groups is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic requirement for sustainable development.
“No nation can achieve meaningful socio-economic growth in an atmosphere of suspicion, division, and conflict,” the group stated, noting that peaceful coexistence creates an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and inclusive governance.
GIMP-Nigeria called on religious leaders, media practitioners, civil society organisations, and government institutions to leverage the Easter period to promote messages of peace, dialogue, and unity.
It specifically urged faith leaders to use their platforms to preach tolerance, compassion, and respect for human dignity, regardless of religious affiliation.
The group also highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception, encouraging journalists to adopt responsible and balanced reporting practices that promote national cohesion rather than division.
“The media must rise above divisive tendencies and become a force for unity. Through ethical reporting, we can build bridges of understanding among Nigeria’s diverse communities,” the statement added.
GIMP-Nigeria further appealed to Nigerians, particularly the youth, to reject hate speech, misinformation, and extremist ideologies that threaten the country’s unity.
It urged citizens to embrace the values of kindness, forgiveness, and solidarity, which are central to the Easter message.
Reaffirming its position, the group noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that harnessing this diversity through tolerance and dialogue is key to unlocking the nation’s socio-economic potential.
“Let this Easter renew our collective resolve to choose peace over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division,” the statement concluded.