The Chairman of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Plateau State Chapter, Roland Longs, has called for a permanent alliance between Christian and Muslim media bodies to promote peace, truth, and unity in Plateau State.
Longs made the call on Monday during a Sallah visit to the Chief Imam of the Jos Central Mosque as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Adha celebration.
According to him, the visit was aimed at celebrating with the Muslim Ummah as “brothers and fellow pilgrims on the journey toward a stable, prosperous, and harmonious Plateau State.”
He described Eid-el-Adha as a solemn reminder that lasting peace and sustainable development require sacrifice, obedience, and collective responsibility from all citizens.
Longs lamented that Plateau State had suffered for too long from divisions fueled by misunderstanding, fear, and political manipulation, stressing that the media must rise above sentiments and play its prophetic role in fostering peace.
“The media has a sacred responsibility to counter fake news, hate speech, and narratives capable of dividing our people,” he said.
He proposed the establishment of a structured interface between CAMPAN and the Muslim media body under the leadership of the Chief Imam to strengthen collaboration and ensure the dissemination of accurate and peace-driven information.
Longs further urged faith-based media practitioners to deliberately use their platforms to promote peaceful coexistence, noting that insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship affect citizens irrespective of religious affiliation.
Responding, the Chief Imam of the Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Ghazali Adam, emphasized the importance of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
He explained that the sacrifice associated with Eid-el-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s obedience to God’s command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, teaching believers the virtues of faith, sacrifice, and total submission to God.
According to the Chief Imam, both Islam and Christianity share more similarities than differences and should therefore work together in advancing peace and unity in society.
Sheikh Adam welcomed the proposed partnership between CAMPAN and Muslim Ummah journalists, describing it as a commendable step toward breaking down suspicion, building trust, and promoting accurate communication for peace.
He also prayed for Allah to accept the sacrifices of the season and grant enduring peace, unity, and prosperity to Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
