President Bola Tinubu has observed that it is uncommon for Lent and Ramadan to begin on the same day, but emphasised that Christians and Muslims share much in common and are united as one people under God.
In his Lenten and Ramadan message, the President encouraged Nigerians to practice good neighbourliness, and to promote peace, unity, and stability, while also praying for the nation’s progress and security.
The message read: “With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan.
“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.
“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.”
He further urged Nigerians to pray for the nation’s progress and security and to uphold good neighbourliness.
“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,” he said.
President Tinubu also called on citizens to live by the principles of their faiths and act honourably in their duties to God and fellow humans.
“I pray that the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always,” he concluded.