President Bola Tinubu has called on Christians and Muslims across the country to draw inspiration from the shared spiritual values of Lent and Ramadan, urging Nigerians to uphold peace, unity, good neighbourliness and devotion to God.
The President’s appeal was contained in a personally written message to Christians and Muslims as both sacred seasons commence on the same day this year.
President Tinubu described the rare coincidence of the two religious observances beginning simultaneously as a powerful reminder of the shared moral foundations of Nigeria’s major faiths and the nation’s collective responsibility to live as one people under God.
He noted that Lent, observed by Christians, is a period of fasting, abstinence and penitence in commemoration of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and spiritual preparation before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.
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The President explained that Ramadan, observed by Muslims, is a sacred period of total submission to God Almighty, marked by fasting, sacrifice, devotion, service to humanity, and communal love and giving.
He added that the season reflects one of the five pillars of Islam and calls for deep spiritual reflection beyond the obligatory fast.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the sacred seasons to strengthen bonds of harmony across religious lines, promote peaceful coexistence, and renew prayers for national progress, stability and security.
He called on citizens to live by the noble precepts of their faiths and remain honourable in their duties to God and to fellow human beings.
The President expressed hope that the lessons, blessings and joys of Lent and Ramadan would inspire compassion, discipline and a renewed commitment to the collective good of the nation.