President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Christians and Muslims nationwide to embrace the shared spiritual lessons of Lent and Ramadan, urging them to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and steadfast devotion to God.
In a personally signed message released on Tuesday, the President reflected on the rare convergence of the two sacred observances commencing on the same day this year. He described the coincidence as symbolic of the common moral values underpinning Nigeria’s major religions and a reminder of the nation’s collective duty to live together in harmony.
According to him, Lent, observed by Christians, represents a solemn season of fasting, self-denial and repentance, marking the spiritual preparation for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redemption of mankind.
He noted that Ramadan, observed by Muslims, is a period of complete submission to God Almighty, characterised by fasting, sacrifice, devotion, compassion and generosity. The President added that the holy month embodies one of the five pillars of Islam and encourages reflection that goes beyond abstaining from food.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the sacred seasons as an opportunity to deepen interfaith understanding, strengthen national cohesion and intensify prayers for the country’s peace, security and development.
He encouraged citizens to uphold the noble teachings of their respective faiths and to remain faithful in their responsibilities to God and to one another.
Expressing optimism, the President said he hoped the spiritual lessons and blessings of Lent and Ramadan would foster compassion, discipline and a renewed dedication to the common good of the nation.
