President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians of both faiths to use the rare convergence of Lent and Ramadan—beginning on the same day this year—as an opportunity to foster peace, unity, and national stability.
In a statement personally signed and released on Wednesday, the President described the simultaneous commencement of the two sacred seasons as uncommon, noting that it highlights the shared values between Christians and Muslims.
“This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. This is not a common occurrence, and it reminds us that as a people of faith, we share a lot in common and are one people under God,” Tinubu said.
The President explained that Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, abstinence, and penitence for Christians, following the example of Jesus Christ’s time in the wilderness before His crucifixion. For Muslims, Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection, marking one of the five pillars of Islam.
He urged Nigerians observing the seasons to promote good neighbourliness, uphold peace, and pray for the nation’s progress and security. “Let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans,” he added.
Tinubu prayed that the lessons, blessings, and joys of the sacred seasons would remain with Nigerians throughout the year.
