Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the simultaneous commencement of Ramadan and Lent this year is a rare occurrence that highlights the shared spiritual values of Nigerians across faiths.
In his message marking Ramadan and Lent, the President noted that both sacred seasons beginning on the same day serve as a reminder that Nigerians, though diverse in faith, remain one people under God.
He wrote: “For Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.
“For Muslims, Ramadan is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving. It marks one of the five pillars of Islam. Beyond the obligatory fasting, Ramadan calls for deep spiritual reflection in obedience to Islam’s injunctions.
“As a nation and as a people, I urge us, as we embark on these important observances, to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of our nation.
“Let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans.
“I pray that the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always.”
