President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended goodwill messages to Christians and Muslims as the Lenten and Ramadan seasons commence simultaneously this year, describing the rare convergence as a reminder of Nigeria’s shared faith and unity under God.
In a State House statement, the President greeted adherents of both religions with “profound reverence to God Almighty,” noting that the concurrent observance of Lent and Ramadan underscores the common spiritual values that bind Nigerians together.
Tinubu explained that Lent, observed by Christians, is a solemn period of fasting, abstinence and penitence, reflecting the example of Jesus Christ in the wilderness prior to His crucifixion and the salvation narrative central to Christian belief.
He also described Ramadan as a sacred season for Muslims, marked by total submission to God through sacrifice, devotion, service, charity and communal love. Beyond the obligatory fast, he said, Ramadan calls for deep spiritual reflection and obedience in line with Islamic injunctions, as one of the five pillars of Islam.
The President urged Nigerians to use the dual observances to strengthen good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity and national stability, and pray for the country’s progress and security.
“As a nation and as a people, let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans,” he said.
Tinubu concluded with prayers that the lessons, blessings and joys of the sacred seasons would endure in the lives of the faithful and the nation at large.
