President Bola Tinubu has called on Christians and Muslims to use the rare convergence of Lent and Ramadan, both of which begin on the same day this year, as an opportunity to promote peace, unity and national stability.
In a personally signed statement issued on Wednesday, Tinubu described the simultaneous commencement of the two sacred seasons as uncommon.
“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,” he said.
The President explained that for Christians, the Lenten season is 40 days of fasting, abstinence and penitence, following the example of Jesus Christ’s time in the wilderness before His crucifixion.
He added that for Muslims, Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection, marking one of the five pillars of Islam and reflecting total submission to God.
Tinubu urged Nigerians embarking on the observances to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace and pray for the progress and security of the nation.
“Let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans,” he said.
The President prayed that the lessons, blessings and joys of the sacred seasons would abide with Nigerians always.
