President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm greetings to Christian and Muslim faithful as they commence the solemn observances of Lent and Ramadan.
In his message, the President noted the rare convergence of both sacred seasons beginning on the same day this year, describing it as a profound reminder of the shared values that unite Nigerians as one people under God.
According to him, while the coincidence is not common, it underscores the deep spiritual bonds between adherents of both faiths and highlights the common principles of sacrifice, devotion, discipline and compassion that define the periods.
For Christians, Tinubu explained, the Lenten season represents a time of fasting, abstinence and penitence.
He recalled that Lent follows the example of Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness before His crucifixion — a sacrifice that brought salvation to mankind.
The period, he said, calls for sober reflection, self-denial and renewed commitment to faith and righteous living.
For Muslims, the President described Ramadan as a sacred month marked by total submission to God Almighty and adherence to His commandments of sacrifice, devotion, service, communal love and generosity.
One of five pillars of Islam
He noted that Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and goes beyond the obligatory fast to embrace deep spiritual reflection and obedience to divine injunctions.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the twin observances as an opportunity to strengthen good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity and national stability, and offer prayers for the country’s progress and security.
He called on adherents of both religions to live by the noble precepts of their faiths and remain honourable in their duties to God and to fellow citizens.
The President also prayed that the lessons, blessings and enduring joys of Lent and Ramadan would abide with Christians and Muslims across the nation, now and always.
