President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to pray for the country’s progress and security as Christians and Muslims commence the Lenten and Ramadan seasons.
In a message issued on Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent and Ramadan, the President urged citizens to promote peace, unity and stability, describing the coinciding of both observances as symbolic of shared faith and national cohesion.
“With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan,” Tinubu said.
“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 explained that for Christians, the Lenten season is a period of fasting, abstinence and penitence, following the example of Jesus Christ in the wilderness before His crucifixion.
“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,” he stated.
Tinubu also highlighted the significance of Ramadan for Muslims, describing it as a sacred month of devotion and spiritual reflection.
“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 added.
The President called on Nigerians to embrace the spirit of both seasons by strengthening bonds of good neighbourliness and national solidarity.
“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.
Tinubu further encouraged citizens to uphold the teachings of their respective faiths and remain committed to their responsibilities to God and fellow citizens.
“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,” he concluded.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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